USA TODAY: [President Barack] …Obama said the U.S. would not take a position on whether the islands in the East China Sea are ultimately in the dominion of China or Japan, but he also noted that historically Japan has administered the islands, triggering America’s treaty obligations to defend its ally should tensions escalate militarily.
“What is a consistent part of the alliance is that the treaty covers all territories administered by Japan,” Obama said during a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“The treaty between the U.S. and Japan preceded my birth, so obviously this isn’t the red line that I’m drawing,” the president said, adding “We want to continue to encourage the peaceful rise of China.” … (more)
