U.S. Needs to Step into Asian Isle Dispute

THE long-simmering rivalry between Japan and China, triggered by Japan’s purchase of several Senkaku Islands, is a gathering typhoon that threatens the entire region. The U.S. must take decisive steps to mediate this dispute, or it will paralyze trade in Asia, and by extension, global commerce. As a trade-dependent state, Washington has a major stake in keeping Asia’s maritime trade routes open.