The southern local council of Japan has recently passed a bill to rename an area encompassing the disputed Senkaku Islands. The region, previously known as Tonoshiro, is now officially termed as Tonoshiro Senkaku. These islands are also identified as Diaoyus by China and Tiaoyutai by Taiwan.
Japan’s Position on the Matter
Japan has made this decision to eliminate administrative confusion between the island Tonoshiro and a place within downtown Ishigaki that shares the name. The renaming is also in response to the increased Chinese activity in the waters contiguous to the Senkakus.
A vital supporter of this move is the United States, thanks to its mutual defence treaty with Japan. In case of a foreign attack on Japanese territory, the U.S. is obliged to intervene.
China’s Reaction to the Action
China has displayed strong opposition against this move, viewing it as a threat to its territorial sovereignty. It declares the action illegal and urges Japan to adhere to the “Four-Principle Consensus.” This consensus was endorsed in 2014 to foster a mutually beneficial relationship based on shared strategic interests.
China further warns that this name change complicates the dispute and increases the risk of a crisis.
Taiwan’s Stance on the Situation
Just like China, Taiwan also protests against this decision, asserting that the islands are part of Taiwan’s territory, and any actions to alter this reality are invalid.
The Larger Impact
This dispute is not the only one of its kind for China. It has had long-standing territorial and maritime disagreements with Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam in the South China Sea. Consequently, Japan’s action might strengthen the territorial and maritime claims of these countries.
Implications for India
This development comes soon after a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops over the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. Given the dominant trade volume and economic dependency, this move could be crucial for India. By supporting Japan’s decision, India might strengthen its diplomatic position over the Galwan Valley.
Conversely, Taiwan’s involvement in this dispute is noteworthy. While it supports India over the Galwan Valley, it opposes Japan’s move. Moreover, China’s increased naval power in the Indian Ocean presents an opportunity for India to secure a strategic advantage.
The Senkakus Island Chain Dispute: An Overview
The Senkaku Islands dispute involves a territorial contention over a cluster of uninhabited islands—referred to as Senkaku in Japan, Diaoyu in China, and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan. Situated in the East China Sea, these eight islands have a combined area of about 7 square kilometres and are located northeast of Taiwan.
Their strategic importance is derived from their proximity to key shipping lanes, abundant fishing grounds, and potential oil deposits. Administered by Japan since 1972, the legal status of these islands remains disputed.
Claims by Japan and China
According to Japan, post World War II, the nation relinquished claims to several territories and islands, including Taiwan under the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco. However, the Nansei Shoto islands were subsequently returned to Japan in 1971. Japan insists that the Senkaku islands are part of the Nansei Shoto islands, therefore they too belong to Japan.
On the other hand, China asserts that these islands have been a part of its territory since ancient times, serving as critical fishing grounds managed by the province of Taiwan. As per China, when Taiwan was returned as per the Treaty of San Francisco, the islands should have been returned as part of it.
