We Must Stand with Japan Against China

I was neutral of Leon Panetta's rather compromising stance in diplomacy with China at first.  Considering the fact that Japan has no way to defend itself, I was considering that maybe his soft stance was just him being mindful and trying to keep our ally safe.  The Japanese government wants to buy some islands from a private Chinese owner.   After mulling over this issue I have made my decision.  Bejing's response has made me suspicious of their motives.

The Chinese seem extremely defensive about these islands.  So upon review, I have decided we are not taking a strong enough position on China on this issue.  We need to project more strength, in regards to Beijing.  From the way the Chinese are projecting blame onto the Japanese government, we need to take a moment to reflect on who we are being friendly to and whether we should remain neutral on this issue.  China clearly isn't.  From the AP via the Albany Times Union:

China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that during their private talks, Liang told Panetta that China was “resolutely opposed” to the islands’ inclusion within the terms of the U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty, the agreement signed in 1951 as the U.S. helped the island nation rebuild after World War II.

Why would China be opposed to this islands' inclusion within the terms of the defense treaty, unless they were planning to attack Japan?   Panetta didn't demonstrate enough strength on this issue.  We cannot remain neutral on a territorial issue involving an ally we have a defense treaty with.  Again, another failure of the Obama administration demonstrate leadership where it is necessary.  We must stand with our allies, because we have a duty to protect them.