The Diaoyu Islands Question: History, Controversy and Reality.
The issue of the Diaoyu Islands has always been one of the focal points of controversy in East Asia. According to the "People's Republic of China Island Protection**", China has clarified its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated waters, but historical changes and diplomatic disputes have made these waters full of complexities. This article will delve into the historical background, the focus of the controversy, and the practical significance of the Diaoyu Dao issue.
The imprint of history.
Diaoyu Islands, also known as the Senkaku Islands, are located between the waters of Chinese mainland and Taiwan, and are geographically important. However, a series of events in history have made the issue of the Diaoyu Islands far more complicated than its geographical location.
On December 1, 1943, the Cairo Declaration clearly stipulated that all the gains made by Japan in its aggression against Chinese territory should be returned to China**. This includes the four northeastern provinces, Taiwan, the Penghu Islands, etc., as well as the Diaoyu Islands. However, in 1972, the U.S. returned the "administration" of the Ryukyu Islands to Japan, including the Diaoyu Islands, a move that would later sow the controversy.
The turning point of 2010.
In 2010, an ordinary fisherman, Zhan Qixiong, became a hero in the Diaoyu Islands dispute. He and 14 other fishermen went fishing in the waters off the Diaoyu Islands, but were met with strong interference from the Japan Coast Guard. The Japanese patrol boat tried to evict them, but Zhan refused to back down, and eventually, their fishing boat collided with a Japanese patrol boat, and although the fishing boat was seized, the incident set off the Diaoyu Islands issue.
This incident has aroused the attention of the international community to the issue of the Diaoyu Islands, and at the same time, it has also made China** and its people more determined to defend national sovereignty. The Diaoyu Islands are not only geostrategically valuable, but also rich in fishery resources and potential energy resources, which makes it a focus of contention.
The "nationalization" of Japan
In 2012, Japan** took a move that attracted international attention by "nationalizing" the Diaoyu Islands, claiming to have acquired them from the so-called "island owner" Kurihara Hiroyuki in the form of a purchase. This move angered China, because the Kurihara family was able to receive a high annual "rent" from Japan**, and Japan** actually treated the issue by buying territory, which caused China's anger**.
The issue of the Diaoyu Islands is far more than just a territorial dispute, it involves multiple aspects such as geostrategy, resource development, and territorial sea demarcation. This issue also has an important impact on the resolution of the China and Taiwan issues.
China's resolute defense.
China firmly defends its sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands, not only through diplomatic means, but also through practical actions. On September 14, 2012, China sent six maritime surveillance vessels into the territorial waters of the Diaoyu Islands and began regular patrols, demonstrating China's firm determination.
This action forced Japan** to admit that its "effective control" over the Diaoyu Islands began to waver, which marked a change in the situation. In recent years, however, regular patrols by Chinese coast guard vessels near the Senkakus have become routine, demonstrating China's firm stance in the dispute.
Practical significance and prospects.
The settlement of the Diaoyu Dao issue is of vital importance to peace and stability in East Asia. The dispute concerns not only relations between China and Japan, but also neighboring countries such as Taiwan. The geographical location and resource richness of the Diaoyu Islands make them central to regional security and strategic stability.
Under pressure from the international community, all parties should settle disputes through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the principles of peace, fairness and justice. Jointly maintaining peace and stability in the Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated waters will not only help resolve regional disputes, but also promote regional cooperation and prosperity.
In short, the issue of the Diaoyu Islands is a complex dispute involving multiple interests, but a solution can be found through a firm diplomatic stance, a willingness to resolve it peacefully, and the joint efforts of the international community. Maintaining regional peace and stability is the common responsibility of all parties and for the sake of a better future for future generations.