But the continued tensions, especially with the US posing a greater military threat, will only damage the foundation the US stands on in trying to maintain order in the Asia-Pacific region, Shen said recently.

The US and Japan have planned a drill to simulate retaking of a remote island from foreign forces. That action will form part of broader Japan-US maneuvers that are to start in early November.

AFP reported on Saturday, though, that the governments are likely to cancel the drill out of a fear that it will provoke more anger in China. China dispatched naval vessels, aircraft and helicopters to the East China Sea on Friday, sending them there for a one-day exercise.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has started to turn to Moscow. During a meeting between Japan and Russia in Tokyo on Friday, the Japanese asked that Russia show understanding toward Japan's stance on the Diaoyu Islands.

Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun said China's presence in the ocean is expanding and Japan and Russia have a "shared belief about containing China".

Questions:

1. Who is the group of former national security officials from the US led by?

2. What is the US expected to take steps to warm?

3. Which country is reported to share Japan’s beliefs about containing China?

Answers:

1. US deputy secretary of state Richard L. Armitage.

2. Relations between China and Japan.

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