I wonder how much the tension between Japan and China is due to the their territorial disputes rather than a sense of redress on the part of the Chinese, the Japanese seem to have "forgotten" their barbarous recent history in Asia and the Pacific.

"Australia is ideally placed to play a role in mitigating the regional tensions and take a greater leadership role." --We can certainly try, however the extent to which our neighbours accept Australia as a legitimate, independent, player is debatable.

It's clear that the author is following the official Chinese propaganda mechanism that turning facts upside down, masking its well rejected aggressions throughout Asia. Chinese expansionist acts cause the US to reluctantly, pivot to Asia, the Philippines taking China to UN Arbitration Court, Japan attempting to re-militarization and the rest of Chinese neighbors upgrading defensive securities. The non-option course of action for Australia is timely support other Asians and start isolation of China before it becomes too costly.

The Middle Kingdom is a bully and has always been when it can. There were reviews of likely China actions with economic growth within our Military starting in the '80's, including disputed boarders. Vietnam, Philippines, Japan and many others were expected to align to resit said bully. To blame Japan is very funny, just ask Vietnam who they think is causing the trouble (there is a lot of quiet co-operation going on). Japan does not have a surplus of young males so is light on for "cannon fodder" whilst China has a gender imbalance. The problem for China is their cannon fodder is unwilling to die for some Lefty Politburo and rather have new iPhone.
Australia is a merest footnote in this confrontation.