In the last century, the United States and Japan signed the "U.S.-Japan Security Treaty" and the "Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Japan," which established the special status of the permanent stationing of US troops in Japan. This gives the United States an unchallenged position in Japan and provides the foundation for Japan's economy to take off. Today, in the 21st century, Japan remains a staunch ally of the United States and has shown its loyalty to the United States by provoking the issue of the Diaoyu Islands. China, for its part, acted decisively to protect its sovereignty.
Japan sent a fishing boat to intrude into the waters near the Diaoyu Islands on January 27, 2024, and was covered by the Japan Coast Guard, according to a report by Japan**. The Japan Coast Guard has deployed a large number of patrol vessels on Ishigaki Island in an attempt to establish an advantage over the Chinese coast guard. In addition, the Japan Coast Guard has also tried to expand the equipment of large-tonnage patrol ships to counter the tonnage advantage of the Chinese coast guard. The Chinese Coast Guard did not sit idly by and took decisive action, dispatching a number of patrol ships to warn and drive away the Japanese ships, stopping Japan's illegal acts.
On the one hand, Japan's provocative actions have been endorsed by the United States, because the "U.S.-Japan Security Treaty" clearly stipulates the responsibility for the security protection of the Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands. The United States has repeatedly stated this position publicly. On the other hand, other Western countries, such as Canada, have tried to interfere in the Diaoyu Islands issue in a similar way. The Royal Canadian Air Force twice dispatched CP-140 maritime anti-submarine patrol aircraft in 2023 to try to intrude into the waters near the Diaoyu Islands, but were warned and driven away by PLA fighter jets. This shows that Western countries are working together to contain and contain China and try to exacerbate the Diaoyu Dao issue, which is alarming.
The U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the U.S. unequivocal support for the Diaoyu Islands have further inflated Japan's illusions about the Diaoyu Islands. This is also in line with the strategy promoted by the United States in the Asia-Pacific region to contain and contain China. By supporting Japan's position on the Diaoyu Islands, the United States has somewhat constrained China's manoeuvre, while also consolidating its relationship with Japan. The endorsement of Japan by the United States is not only a reward for Japan, but also an attempt to safeguard its own interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
The United States has ensured a military presence in the Asia-Pacific region by providing security protection to Japan. This allows Japan to conserve resources militarily and focus more on economic development. In fact, the stationing of US troops in Japan has always been one of the foundations of Japan's economic development.
In addition, the United States is promoting a containment and containment strategy against China in the Asia-Pacific region, with Japan as an important partner. As far as the United States is concerned, Japan's position on the Diaoyu Islands issue is consistent with its strategic objectives, and this is an important factor in the further deepening of bilateral relations.
The China Coast Guard took decisive action against Japan's provocations, dispatching a number of patrol ships to warn and drive away the Japanese ships, safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty. The significance of this action lies in conveying to the world China's determination to resolutely defend its national interests and territorial integrity.
During the Chinese operation, the China Coast Guard condemned the violations of the Japanese ship through a proclamation and demanded that Japan stop such provocations. This demonstrates China's determination and has won international recognition for China's stance on safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. The CCG's decisive action also sends a strong signal to other potential provocateurs not to assume that China will be taken to it.
The China Coast Guard has been very resolute in its efforts to defend the Diaoyu Islands and other related territorial waters. Whether it is Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines or other countries, the China Coast Guard has actively taken action to defend the territorial integrity of the country. This attitude underscores China's responsibility as a major country and China's determination to resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty.
The issue of the Diaoyu Islands involves a complex relationship between China, Japan and the United States. Through its endorsement of Japan, the United States has given greater support to Japan on the issue of the Diaoyu Islands. Against this backdrop, Japan has tried to deal with the Diaoyu Islands issue more forcefully. The China Coast Guard has acted decisively to safeguard the country's territorial rights and interests. As a regional power, China has demonstrated a resolute attitude of safeguarding its own interests and territorial integrity.
The issue of the Diaoyu Islands is not only a dispute between China and Japan, but also the focus of attention of the international community. All parties should settle disputes through dialogue in accordance with the principle of peaceful consultation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. China will always firmly safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and at the same time actively promote constructive regional cooperation and contribute to the realization of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.