In recent news, China has labeled the Japan-USA mutual security pact as a relic from the Cold War. This comes after the USA criticized China for the presence of their coast guard vessels in the waters territorially claimed by Japan.
The 1960 Japan-USA Mutual Security Treaty: An Overview
The 1960 Japan-USA mutual security treaty assures that the USA would assist Japan if there was an external attack on Japanese forces or its territory. Recently, the USA has taken issue with China due to repeated incursions of Chinese ships into the waters surrounding the Senkaku island, which is claimed by Japan. In response, China has consistently accused the USA of holding onto a “Cold War mentality” and attempting to bring Japan into its Bloc to counter China.
The Ongoing Senkaku Island Dispute
A contentious issue between Japan and China is the territorial dispute over a group of uninhabited islands. These are known by different names in different regions: Senkaku Islands in Japan, Diaoyu Islands in China, and Tiaoyutai Islands in Taiwan. Ownership of these islands is claimed by both Japan and China.
Geography and Strategic Importance of the Disputed Islands
These eight uninhabited islands, covering an area of about 7 sq km, are located in the East China Sea, lying northeast of Taiwan. The islands are notable for their proximity to key shipping lanes, abundant fishing grounds, and potential oil deposits.
Japan’s Stance on the Dispute
Post World War II, Japan renounced claims to several territories and islands including Taiwan through the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco. However, the treaty brought the Nansei Shoto islands under USA trusteeship, and they were subsequently returned to Japan in 1971. Japan maintains that the Senkaku islands are part of the Nansei Shoto islands and therefore belong to it. A local council in southern Japan further solidified this claim by approving a bill to rename an area containing the Senkaku Islands from Tonoshiro to Tonoshiro Senkaku. Additionally, Japan points out that China had raised no objections to the San Francisco deal until the 1970s when the potential oil resources in the area became known.
China’s Claim on the Disputed Islands
China counters that these Islands have been part of its territory since ancient times, serving as critical fishing grounds administered by the province of Taiwan. Following the return of Taiwan in the Treaty of San Francisco, China argues that the islands – as part of it – should also have been returned to their jurisdiction.
