A Chinese think tank has warned that China may get involved in a military conflict with Japan over the disputed Diaoyu Islands, as "big powers" have intensified their efforts for geopolitical and military dominance in the strategic Asia-Pacific region.
An annual report released Tuesday by the Centre for National Defence Policy (CNDP), a part of the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), has stated that big powers have intensified their efforts for regional dominance and United States has accelerated its eastward shift of its strategic focus.
"Amidst the strategic competition among big powers, the fierce oceanic competition and frequent regional conflicts, the complexity, sensitivity and uncertainty of China's security environment loom large," official Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.
The report came amid the latest flare-up in China's row with Japan over the disputed Diaoyu Islands in East China Sea.
The report noted that the Asia-Pacific has become "the new global geopolitical, economic and military centre" and big powers have intensified their efforts for regional dominance as "the US has accelerated its eastward shift of its strategic focus."
It warned that a military clash with Japan could happen if the dispute escalates, saying the confrontation between the two countries over disputed Diaoyu Islands in East China Sea may extend from the sea to the air.
It further cautioned that row will not only seriously jeopardise Sino-Japanese relations, but would also threaten regional stability.
"The security situation around China has become complex and uncertain due to US 'Asia-Pivot' strategy and increasing territorial disputes," said Shen Shishun, executive director of the Asia-Pacific research centre with China Foundation of International Studies.
