When a conflict of opinion over ownership of something makes it impossible for either side to give up its claim, why not propose that both sides share the thing equally? The whole issue with the Senkakus is the value of the gas reserves, so it's about money.
Continue to call the islands as either Japan or China wants, but allow joint recovery of the gas and split the money. Let some company (not Chinese or Japanese) bid on the recovery of resources but agree to disagree on sovereignty. A sovereignty accord can be struck in the future when no one is angry.
Neither country can win as is. Both win if they cooperate.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.
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