[libs_kma]

I think thats exactly whats happening here. The civilian anger is being manipulated and funnelled against the Japanese. That is one risky strategy though. Because how long before the anger is re-directed? And by then you have a civilian populace that have pretty much perfected their breaking glass and throwing rocks skills.

What then? Start shooting your own people again? That'll play real well with the population. By that time they will have figured out that they wield a lot of power as well.

China is playing with fire, but I'd have to think that if they're letting this happen it's because they have no choice, and letting the rioters vent some steam is the best option they have left to play.

[Graymatter]

I suspect the people's agitation was detected, and the govt decided to channel it into something useful before it crystallized into anti-government sentiment. However, the choice of Japan was not random. Japan stands in the way of China's long-range plans. The operating formula here is "First villainize, then victimize."