China threatens war with Japan over some islands the Japanese say are theirs, and the Chinese say are within the Chinese sphere of influence, and therefore theirs. The problem for Obama is that while the Japanese are legally right, the Chinese have the guns, and the Japanese are certain Obama’s America will not abide by the defense treaties between the two countries, leaving them out to dry. So therefore it is Japan that is the problem. In a rather relaxed conversation with the Vice President, Obama discusses the problem of Japan.

How can they doubt my word, he said

I pledge the US might

Will both protect and succor them

If China wants to fight

Of course there’s more to this affair

Than seems to meet the eye

The Japs must be submissive and

Not scream and shout Banzai!

For China, Joe, does have a right

To waters near and far

And if some islands sit in them

They’re theirs, so there you are

Too right, Joe said with goofy grin

We’ll send them to the barber

The Japs must take a haircut, boss

Their turn for a Pearl Harbor