"Sea of peace" is the title China has be-stowed on its adjacent oceans. But sovereignty disputes between China and its neighbours still roil the waters. In recent weeks, Japan and Vietnam have complained about what they allege to be Chinese encroachments. Attaching blame is difficult. But at a time of a growing perception in the West that China is flexing its muscles (see Charlemagne, page 36), countries closer to China's shores also worry that it might be getting more assertive. Their squabbles are often aggravated by rivalry over undersea oil and gas.
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