The resignation of Japanese prime minster Yukio Hatoyama just eight and a half months into his term – and the consequences for China – is being debated here online. Hatoyama, who made his announcement on Wednesday, became the fourth Japanese leader in four years to fail before his first year was up. He leaves Japan without a leader before a pivotal July election.

Hatoyama lead the Democratic Party of Japan to a landslide victory last August that ended nearly 50 years of one-party rule in Japan. One of his election promises was to reduce Japan’s independence on the US – and improve ties with longtime foe China.

The relationship between Tokyo and Beijing has improved. But Hatoyama failed to relocate a small US marine airfield off of Okinawa. He also became embroiled in scandal when it was revealed that his mother had given him $12 million which he had not paid tax on. 

Naoto Kan, Japan's Finance Minister is in pole position in the race to succeed Hatoyama.

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