(There is no link to this report.)

You may have thought the latest Japan-China spat would end when Japan released that ship captain last week but no, Prime Minister Naoto Kan has now rejected China's demand that Tokyo apologize and even make restitution. "Clearly in Beijing, there are people who want to state their claim more clearly —who want a firm recognition from Japan — and of course the Japanese aren't going to provide that," said Phil Deans, professor of international relations at Temple University, Japan Campus. "Both sides have handled this badly. They have not given the other side an opportunity to step down."