China determined to battle on two fronts as N Asia tensions spike

Beijing

AS China diplomatically confronts the United States and South Korea over new missile defences and intensifies pressure on Japan at sea over disputed islets, Beijing is signalling it is prepared to stand its ground on two key regional fronts.

Mainland analysts see little immediate chance for an easing of tensions now roiling across North-east Asia, saying a rising China is showing it is keen to shape its own battlefield despite fresh threats.