[Zhang Fei]

Will the Chinese will start anything, given that, if news reports are anything to go by, the top leadership is corrupt to the tune of hundreds of millions each, presumably invested somewhere, and has a lot to lose? I had imagined these people having a few million bucks salted away somewhere, but hundreds of millions is serious money - it's Al Gore and Mitt Romney money. Will they jeopardize that for a bunch of rocks?

It's certainly possible, given that they might get a percentage of the oil and gas concessions. But would they really risk a confrontation with Japan and America's allies in the Far East - one that might end with a humiliating defeat? Defeat is certainly dangerous for the coterie of leaders in charge, but victory might be equally dangerous, given the war fever latent among the Chinese masses. Victory could be a poisoned chalice that leads to vociferous demands for more such victories, thereby sending China on a path to ultimate defeat.

[JerseyanExile]

The only way I could see them starting a war on purpose with Japan over the Senkaku Islands (as opposed to things spiraling out of control) would be if they fear a coming economic crash, or a strong depression. The CCP's life would likely be short if that happened. So they might try to pull an Argentina and start a war against a long-resented country to try and divert attention away from a collapsing economy.

[Trod Upon]

Getting the people whipped up and focused on destroying an external enemy may be the way the Chinese political system can continue as it is for a while longer. Now that so many Chinese can afford to eat, etc., they are beginning to notice things. Like, for instance, the fact they are voiceless serfs in their own country.

[hummingbird]

"Will the Chinese will start anything, given that, if news reports are anything to go by, the top leadership is corrupt to the tune of hundreds of millions each"

What a bunch of pikers - "hundreds of millions".

It isn't real money until you get to billions, trillions and gazillions.

[Vince Ferrer]

Will they jeopardize that for a bunch of rocks?

If they need to distract the Chinese people from what is going on in China, then yes, they will do it in a heartbeat. Just like almost every other leader in the world.