Country ... China
Conversation about China

AJStream on China’s online patriots ... Anti-Japan protests over Diaoyu-Sensaku Islands spark discussion on Chinese nationalism.

Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

China’s online patriots Anti-Japan protests over Diaoyu-Sensaku Islands spark discussion on Chinese nationalism.
IMAGE A graphic depicting a Chinese national flag flying atop of the disputed islands is seen on the front page of Chinese search engine website Baidu, on a computer screen in Beijing, September 18, 2012. The Chinese characters below the graphic read, 'Diaoyu Islands belong to China!' (REUTERS) Anti-Japanese protests have spread across China in response to Japan’s decision to nationalise a group of islands in the East China Sea. The disputed islands, known in Japan as Senkaku and in China as Diaoyu, have incited tension between the two nations for decades. The tensions have spread online, where China’s web users are questioning the actions of protestors and discussing what it means to be patriotic. Have Chinese protests over the disputed islands gone too far in their anti-Japan sentiment? n this episode of The Stream, we speak to David Wertime, co-founder and editor of Tea Leaf Nation (@TeaLeafNation) and columnist Michael Anti (@mranti). We speak with netizens on the ground about the protests and how much they represent broader public concern via Google hangout. What do you think? Have China protests over the disputed islands gone too far in anti-Japan sentiment? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using #AJStream. MORE ELEMENTS FROM THIS STORY