A dispute between China and Japan over islands in the South China Sea parallels similar territorial rows between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors that have sparked concerns about China's growing naval reach. "On a rational basis, both sides have a lot to lose if this escalates. On the other hand, both have something to lose if they don't appear strong and assertive," said Jeffrey Kingston of Temple University, Japan Campus. "I think the ball is in China's court….My guess is that they want to put a cap on it. Whether they can do so is another matter."