Japanese Figure Skaters Will Compete In China Amidst Island Tensions

Japanese figure skaters will take part in the Cup of China this week as planned, "despite fears of simmering anti-Japan sentiment in the host country," according to the AFP. Japan Skating Federation President Seiko Hashimoto said, "The Chinese skating federation, wishing to host as many international competitions as possible, has told us it will put its prestige on ensuring safety." Hashimoto added that the federation has determined it is "all right" to send its skaters to the third leg of this year's Grand Prix series in Shanghai Friday through Sunday. Skaters may only compete in two of the season's six Grand Prix events, "and missing the Cup of China would have made it difficult for the Japanese to make December's Grand Prix final featuring the top six points scorers in each category" (AFP, 10/29).