1. China Daily
Two "unarmed" US B-52 bombers, on a "long-planned" "training mission", made an "overflight" through China's East China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone on Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. The White House and Pentagon have been trying to give the impression that they do not want to be overly provocative. On the other hand, they were anxious to send a message to intimidate. The current mess is a result of Tokyo's brinkmanship, and Washington's "message" will only add fuel to Tokyo's dangerous belligerence. More importantly, it may put China and the US on a collision course, which will prove much more hazardous than sending military aircraft to play chicken in the air. (Beijing)
2. The Japan Times
This act is a dangerous provocation to Japan and the United States since the ADIZ overlaps Japan's air zone and violates Japan's territorial right over the islands. Beijing may be trying to draw the attention of the Chinese public away from domestic economic and social problems by taking a hard-line stance on the Senkaku Islands. But it should realise that it will lose the international community's trust if it continues to pursue the path of using threats to resolve diplomatic issues. Japan must refrain from fanning the flames of nationalism at home and not let itself be provoked by China. Japan should launch diplomatic efforts together with the US and other countries to convince Beijing to exercise self-restraint.
