The wrong decision

By approving an amendment to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act concerning the Diaoyu Islands on Thursday, the US Senate is sending a dangerous signal that could have dire consequences for regional peace and stability.

The bill states that the United States acknowledges Japan's administration over the islands under Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty. This could be taken as a loaded message that the US sees the Diaoyu Islands issue falling within the scope of its security pact with Japan and that it may be obliged to get involved in the dispute.

Given that there have been cries from Japan about enlisting US support in its dispute with China over the Diaoyu Islands, the bill could embolden Tokyo to make reckless moves that would intensify the tensions over the islands.