Anti-Japan violence, statements and other developments in China suggest the recent political situation in Beijing has been less stable than outward appearances indicate and that a hidden power struggle may have occurred during the past few weeks of unrest.
State-run newspapers in China have recently suggested that the anti-Japan riots across the country are part of a plot to destabilize the Chinese leadership, and have taken pains to emphasize the conciliatory tone of Chinese President Hu Jintao during a recent meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the sidelines of the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta.