Recent developments in the long-running dispute between China and Japan about a collection of islets located in the East China Sea, known as the Diaoyu in China as well as the Senkaku in Japan is an issue for foreign observers. While there is ongoing dialogue between the two sides, tensions remain. This week the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasahayashi discussed the islands at issue, and both of them expressing concerns. The official from China urged Japan to end “right-wing provocations.” For many years, tensions have been high between Japan China in relation to concerns over the East China Sea islands.
1. What is the official name for the islands that are disputed in the East China Sea?
The East China Sea has been the source of conflict between two nations of great power, China and Japan, over the past several years. The conflict is focused on an island group that is uninhabited identified as”the “Senkaku Islands” in Japan and those known as the “Diaoyu Islands” located in China. These islands lie in the East China Sea, located between the two nations, and owned by both parties. Both nations have claims for a long time to the islands and the water surrounding them, but the precise ownership of these islands and the definition of the territorial boundaries remains unclear. The dispute has become even more heated since each nation takes aggressive steps to defend their claims in the past few years.
2. Who owns these islets? East China Sea islets?
Recent developments regarding issues with the East China Sea islands dispute between Japan, China is a sign of an ongoing geopolitical conflict. Both Japan and China assert their sovereignty over islets located within the East China Sea. They have strategic significance to each country and have been contested from the time in World War II. Japan believes that the islands are an integral element of its territorial boundaries, and has sought to claim authority over these islands. On the other hand, China has argued that they are part of its historical territory and is trying to assert its authority over them. The dispute has resulted in an array of provocative moves on both sides, which includes Japan’s recent demands for China stop their “right-wing” actions.
3. What was the discussion between Qin Gang, China’s foreign minister as well as Yoshimasa Hayashi who is his Japanese equivalent on Thursday?
The following day, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Qin Gang and his Japanese colleague Yoshimasa Hayashi discussed recent news regarding China’s request for Japan to cease what they believe as “right-wing” provocations concerning the East China Sea islands. Foreign Minister Qin Gang voiced concern over Japan’s actions. The Japanese interpreted these actions by Japan as an attempt to prove its territorial claim over the islands. Minister Hayashi In turn, Minister Hayashi reassured Qin that Qin that Japan is committed to preserving the status quo and respectful of China’s position on this issue. Both Foreign Ministers spoke about the importance of both nations to continue cooperating to preserve peace and stability in the region.
4. What can Qin Hope Japan will stop doing?
China is requesting that Japan cease any “right-wing actions” within the East China Sea Islands. Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, urged Japan not to do so in response. China claims that Japan has been engaged in provocative behavior within the region. It has also sent aircraft and state vessels to the islands as well as going to the island in violation of permission. They also claim that the Japanese military is conducting drills in this area. China’s Minister Wang Yi has asserted that this has caused damage to regional stability and peace The Chinese request is in line with the principles of international law.
A Quick Review
As tensions continue to increase within China and Japan over the disputed East China Sea islands, it is vital to ensure that both sides maintain an open dialogue for the sake of ensuring that the resolution of issues arising from cross-straits is free from coercion or violence. Every nation should commit to finding peace-based solutions, which take into consideration the interests and concerns of each party and allow for disagreements to be resolved without violence or confrontation.
