War and peace depend on choices made

A war in the Asia-Pacific region seemed impossible 10 years ago. It still seemed improbable when the geopolitical situation deteriorated and tensions mounted five years ago. Last year, however, the fear of a war in the Asia-Pacific gained greater credence. Indeed, on the basis of current trends and choices made, some form of military conflict seems possible.

In Japan's case, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has fueled such speculation by visiting Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Class-A and hundreds of other war criminals. In China's case, it declared an Air Defense Identification Zone that covers the disputed islands in the East China Sea. Besides, Japan's prime minister is not on speaking terms with his counterparts in China and the Republic of Korea.

Trends, however, can be reversed depending on the choices made. In his speech at Davos, Abe chose to compare today's China with pre-1914 Germany.