Book review: Intimate Rivals - tensions in the South China Sea
Intimate Rivals, written by a member of the United States' Council on Foreign Relations, is not a particularly entertaining read - it contains few colourful anecdotes - but it is well written with coherent narrative.
China is expanding its claims over the South China Sea, growing as a global economic power and flexing its military muscles. No country feels the impact of these changes more than Japan.
examines the effect China's rise has on Japan, and does so using remarkably clear arguments and comprehensive context for an increasingly complex and sensitive situation.
Sheila A. Smith, a senior fellow for Japan studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, an American research organisation, focuses on recent history, from the period of normalisation between the two countries beginning in the 1970s to the present day. She delves into the visits by Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine, conflicts at the East China Sea boundary, concerns about food security and safety, and strategies of island defence.
China's recent reclamation work on a reef near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea makes this book all the more timely. The newly built island is now home to a runway large enough to handle military aircraft and aerial surveillance appears to show port facilities that can handle military vessels.
Those are clear threats to Japanese influence in the region and they up the ante as China seeks to extend its zone of influence at sea.
