Japan and China island-rights battle heating up

A small group of uninhabited islands may be the centre of upcoming military sabre-rattling between China and Japan as both sides appear to be claiming the territory as their own.

The islands are called Senkakus (Japan) and Diaoyus (China) with Japan controlling the area since 1972. The potential for the clashes is growing with the US now threatening to intervene.

The news that both countries want to claim ownership of the islands is similar to the tensions between China and India over the Himalayan rocky heights where recently a clash between them caused the deaths of 20 Indian troops.

However, if this new territorial war would come to a head, it may escalate if the US becomes involved.

The Japanese Coastguard has reported seeing Chinese ships in the areas near the islands for the past 67 days in a row, increasing fears that a dust-up may be coming soon.

SOURCE: CNN