Recently, China and Japan have set up military hotlines to manage maritime and air incidents over disputed islands, particularly the Senkaku Island. These two nations have a long-standing dispute over some uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, which are under Japan’s control but claimed by China.
The Purpose of the Hotline
The hotline was established as a strategy to enhance their ability to manage and control incidents that might arise due to the aggressive patrolling of the disputed waters. It will serve as a communication channel between China and Japan’s defence departments, boosting their capabilities to manage maritime and air crises, hence upholding peace and stability in the region.
The Senkaku Island Dispute
The Senkaku Island dispute is a territorial disagreement revolving around a group of uninhabited islands known by different names: Senkaku Islands in Japan, Diaoyu Islands in China, and Tiaoyutai Islands in Taiwan. Both Japan and China argue over the ownership of these islands.
The eight uninhabited islands are located in the East China Sea, covering an area of about 7 sq km and lying northeast of Taiwan. They are close to strategically important shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds and are thought to host oil deposits, making them highly valuable.
Japan’s Claim
After World War II, Japan renounced claims to numerous territories and islands, including Taiwan, under the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco. However, the treaty allowed for the Nansei Shoto islands to come under USA trusteeship and later returned to Japan in 1971. Consequently, Japan argues that the Senkaku islands belong to them since they are part of the Nansei Shoto islands. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that China had no objections to the San Francisco deal until the 1970s when the issue of oil resources in the area emerged.
China’s Counterclaim
China, on the other hand, maintains that those islands have been part of its territory since ancient times. They served as crucial fishing grounds controlled by Taiwan province. When Taiwan was returned under the Treaty of San Francisco, China argued that the islands, being part of its territory, should have also been returned.
The Position of Taiwan and Other Recent Island Disputes
Taiwan also lays claim to the islands but has established agreements with Japan to avoid conflict. Despite the ongoing dispute, Japan continues to maintain close defence ties with Taiwan.
Other recent island disputes include the Kuril Island, located in the North Pacific Ocean, which is contested between Russia and Japan, and the Chagos archipelago, situated in the North Indian Ocean, disputed between Britain and Mauritius.
Understanding the Senkaku Islands Situation
The issue surrounding the Senkaku Islands is best captured by the assertion that Japan and China constantly engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea. Contrary to some beliefs, the Senkaku island is not an artificial structure but a naturally occurring island group.
There is no permanent American military base on the Senkaku island, though joint military exercises have taken place between the US and Japan Military forces. Furthermore, The International Court of Justice has not given any verdict declaring the Senkaku Island as no man’s land.
Understanding these disputes in detail allows for an informed perspective of the geopolitical implications of territorial disagreements over such islands worldwide.
