The collision between a Chinese trawler and Japanese patrol boats near the contested region of Diaoyu (known as Senkaku in Japan) last September has inevitably made its way onto YouTube. Sino-Japanese relations have been especially tense since the captain of the Chinese vessel was arrested by Japanese authorities; he was later released on the threat of the PRC’s retaliation.

Via The Diplomat:

The Japanese government had earlier refused to make the video public on the grounds that the criminal code prohibits the release of investigation materials before a trial (the Chinese skipper is still technically under arrest and prosecutors haven’t decided whether to indict him—although this option is improbable). Also, by withholding the footage, Tokyo managed to avoid making a decision that could once again upset the diplomatic applecart.

But now that the footage is, perhaps unintentionally, in the public realm, the government will have to respond. As will Beijing.

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