The action of the Chinese government in sabotaging the supply of rare earth metals was taken in retaliation for the arrest of the captain of the Chinese fishing boat that deliberately rammed a Japanese Coast Guard patrol boat off the Senkaku Islands. This is a clear indication of China’s intent to use access to resources to enhance its diplomatic power. We must never forget that the embargo of oil exports to Japan lead to this country’s participation in World War II. When told, “We are stopping exports,” if Japan can take a “do as you wish” attitude instead of pleading against this, it can demonstrate its diplomatic power.