Chinese officials are upset over statements by Japanese officials, regarding increased military ties to the United States.

Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said: “In order to maintain the right balance in our relationship with China, we need to also solidify the ties between Japan, the US and South Korea.”

The Chinese view this as a continuation of the Cold War, East vs West: “The Japan-US military alliance, shaped in the Cold War, should not be expanded or aimed at any third party. The expansion of the Japan-US military alliance in the sensitive area of East Asia is harmful to regional peace and stability.”-Zhou Yongsheng, China Foreign Affairs University