This tougher approach is in sharp contrast to China’s posture in the 1990s, when it was more willing to negotiate and make concessions, says China security analyst Bonnie Glaser. "I think that today Beijing is using sticks in addition to carrots, teaching lessons to those neighbors that misbehave and feel that they can tolerate a degree of tensions and friction with their neighbors for a period of time," Glaser stated.

This approach resonates with the public in China and many are finding ways to show their support for its territorial claims.

“This says Protect and Defend the Diaoyu Islands, Do Not Give up Even One Inch of Land” If the country needs me to become a soldier then I would go,” said Xu.

“As the public’s knowledge increases and incomes grow, people are becoming more patriotic and care more about the country's affairs. But this at times can link up with dissatisfaction the public may have about other social and political issues and that can lead to increased criticism and pressure toward the government,” Zhang said.

Analysts say that if China does not handle its territorial disputes well, it not only could face trouble in the region but at home as well.