The Chinese send the patrols.

And this time, for added emotion, there is the simmering anger from China and South Korea for the visit by “at least 168 lawmakers” to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, honoring “14 leaders convicted as war criminals.” 

Japanese nationalists also sent their flotilla to the disputed islands.

Last year members of the same group, “Ganbare Nippon” (Stand Firm! Japan), landed on one of the rocky islets and triggered anti-Japanese protests in China, where lingering resentment over Japan’s wartime aggression has been rekindled in recent days.

Meanwhile, down in Brunei, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prepares to meet to discuss, or not, the South China Sea disputes.

So many tensions, so little time.