Diaoyu-Senkaku Islands Issue in hins Pliy - Research Paper Example

Should Diаоyu/Sеnkаku Island issue be соnsidеrеd as thе turning-роint of Сhinеsе foreign and sесurity роliсy? Name Institution Professor Course Date Should Diаоyu/Sеnkаku Island issue be соnsidеrеd as thе turning-роint of Сhinеsе foreign and sесurity роliсy? Introduction Diaoyu/Senkaku islands issue should be considered as the turning point of Chinese overseas and security policy. The question of who legitimately claims autonomy over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands is a longstanding territorial disagreement between China along with Japan, although also involving Taiwan and the US. The islands in the East China Sea are known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, Senkaku in Japan, and Tiaoyutai in Taiwan. With the exception of the administration of the United States over the islands between 1945 and 1975, Japanese administration has been essential in the management of the islands since 1895. Regardless of the territorial tension mounting for years, Sino-Japanese have been particularly tense following the invasion of the islands by Chinese activists in 2004 thus forcing the Japanese activists to counter the move (Unryu, 2000). The Chinese government claims territorial sovereignty over the islands on claims of historical ownership over the islands, and vocally defends its claims, at times with military displays (Lohmeyer, M. 2008). It is here argued that the more recent behaviour of the Chinese state in regards to the dispute are a turning point in a more assertive Chinese foreign policy, illustrating a new found confidence as a world power in the international system of states. Background It is essential to note that China has observed diverse facets of anti-Japan riots and protests crosswise the nation thus vandalism of the Japanese embassy in Beijing as well as destruction of Japanese cars and business entities. This is because of the dispute of Diaoyu islands from the Chinese perspective while Japanese refers to the islands as Senkaku. There have been substantial tensions beside the nautical limits in the context of East Asia for substantial duration. The choice to procure the islands as well as the influx of the Japanese angling boats on the islands contributed to increase in the level of tension surrounding the islands. According to different political scholars, Japan’s central government made the decision to procure the islands rather than develop it with the aim preventing the procurement of the islands by Tokyo’s Prime Minister Shintaro Ishihara, who is an autonomist tremendously crucial of China. The main question in this context relates to the role of the islands allegedly owned by China, Japan, and Taiwan in generating such powerful riots or tensions. According to Japanese perspective, the entity exposed the islands in 1884 when a Japanese businessperson encountered the islands while wanting to cultivate and lease the piece of land. In 2012, a private landowner sold the islands to the government of Japan thus changing the nature of the dispute or tension between the Chinese and Japanese governments. The procurement of the three islands from the private landowner was vital in triggering anti-Japanese protests across China in 2012. The outcome of the protests was evident in the bruising of the Japanese exports as well as boycotting of the Japanese goods (Lanteigne, 2013). Problem Statement The United States recently vowed to protect Japan in the context of any confrontation from China concerning the inhabited disputed islands (BBC News Asia, 2014). In the onset of the World War II, the U.S. and Japan forged a security alliance, which became formal in 1960. According to the deal, the United States would protect Japan in the event of an attack for the exploitation of military bases in Japan (Beina, 2013). From this perspective, Japan would expect the backing of the United States in any conflict with China concerning the islands. According to the United States’ president, the security pact applies to the island. In addition, he warns of negative impact of the escalation of the current row to all sides (McCurry & Branigan, 2014). This relates to the Barrack Obama’s reassurance to the Washington allies of substantial support in the face of threats from North Korea as well as growing China’s assertiveness (McCurry & Branigan, 2014). Diaoyu/Senkaku island issue continues to be the centre of the debate. Nevertheless, the United States continues to reiterate its neutrality in relation to the issue thus the need for China and Japan to solve their differences through dialogue (Shearman, 2013). In addition, the Chinese foreign security and policy seem to be undergoing an extensive evolution (Mamta, 2012). The global population is also continuing to become nervous because of the China-Japan confrontation hence the potentiality of the issue to blow over forcing other global entities to take positions on the issue. Research Significance As China continues to grow economically and develops it military capabilities, taking its position as a key actor on the international stage, understanding the nature of Chinese foreign policy is more important than ever. The need to maintain peace and security despite the changing power structures in East Asia certainly qualifies further research. The research is vital in addressing the gap in the literature review in relation to the existing information on the impact of the Diaoyu/Senkaku issue on the transformation of the international and security policy in the context of China (Brown, 2012). The execution of the research is vital in enhancing the information and knowledge to the centre of conflict as well as long history between critical nations in the global context. Military alliances in this context relate to consensus and bilateral talks between diverse nations. Furthermore, there are critical issues concerning Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands essential in the development of a literature discourse. The development and execution of this thesis will be critical in contributing to empirical and historical data as well as information (Junwu, 2009). Moreover, the thesis will be ideal in explaining in details the issues relating to uninhabited islands generating claims from China, Japan, and Taiwan. This is through triggering constructive international relations discourses for effective and efficient understanding of the conflict resolution and future of regional alliances (Zhongqi, 2007). However, the United States seems to be sending mixed signals in relation to the issue. This is through proving to be neutral, but also stating that the Islands have been under Japan jurisdiction. From this perspective, the thesis is essential in understanding the security and policy issues with reference to the case of China. Literature Review There are diverse research exercises in relation to the issues of uninhabited islands generating disputes among China, Japan, and Taiwan. Zhongpi (2007) focused on examination of the Sino-Japanese tensions over Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. In this research, the author focused on the exploitation of the Chinese perspective to elaborate on the pending controversy on the islands. According to Zhongpi (2007), the islands have been essential in bringing China and Japan into a sour disagreement for numerous years. Other controversial issues include whether Japan returned the islands to China after Japanese defeat in the World War II as well as demarcation of the nautical frontier in the East China Sea in accordance with the international law. In addition to this argument, Unryu (2000) focused on evaluation and illustration of the autonomous constitutional rights and protective space in Sino-Japanese associations with reference to the islands. This article proves to be an examination of the extremely contemporary issues in relation to the altercation of the two entities over the administration of the islands. The article is vital in the illustration of key issues such as historical development of the dispute. Similarly, the research focuses on illustration of how irredentism has become a major state policy in both China and Japan. Lohmeyer (2008) also focused on the evaluation of the issue through assessment of the issues of autonomy and propositions for resolving the dispute. The main objective of this text is to evaluate diverse elements of Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands disagreement with reference to the row between China and Japan. This text is also vital in understanding the concepts of the disagreement involving China and Japan concerning the islands. These three critical literatures were essential in shaping the argument for this thesis concerning the influence of Diaoyu/Senkaku islands. Methodology & Research Design The thesis focused on utilisation of an appropriate methodological approach to answer research questions and problem statement. This is through exploitation of both primary and secondary sources. The thesis focused on preparation of the schedule plan to guide the accomplishment of each activity and research design prior to the execution of the research. In addition, the thesis incorporated reviews of historical scholars and government records to substantiate updated online information concerning Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in accordance with data from the Japanese and Chinese governments’ websites. Other essential sources of information in the development of this thesis include textbooks, novels, and other artefacts with substantial information on the disputed islands. Furthermore, the thesis focused on generation of substantial information from secondary sources such as government records, historical books, ancient maps, and other relevant written sources and artefacts with critical data on the background information concerning Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. In the collection of primary data, some of the research instruments and tools included telephone surveys and interviews, administration of questionnaires, online surveys, and video/audio tape recording. The main rationale behind the execution of the online surveys was to determine the perception of citizens within the Asia Pacific region in relation to the conflict between Japan and China over the uninhabited islands. From the primary and secondary data collection mechanisms, it was evident that both Japan and China have diverse historical illustrations towards their claim of ownership for the islands. It is also critical to note that the data demonstrate the influence of the islands disputes on the international and security policies of China in its relationship and interaction with Japan. In addition, interviews were essential in understanding the history of uninhabited islands. In order to facilitate effective and efficient collection of data, administration of questionnaires were vital under the influence of mail posting and field encounter. Moreover, administration of the questionnaires was essential in the gathering of the views of the experts to substantiate one-on-one interview. Qualitative research methods were also essential in the collection of substantial data with reference to in-depth interviews, uninterrupted observation, and focus groups. Quantitative research tools were also applicable in the collection of data under the influence of interviews, questionnaires, and online surveys. The outcome of the administration of the questionnaires revealed the delicate relationship between China and Japan leading to the Chinese government zoning the movement of Japanese flights within the islands thus creation of tension in the global context. The analysis of data was essential under the influence of tools such as reports, maps, ranking, and pie charts. The main essence of analysis of the findings of the thesis was through integration of a comprehensive report for effective and efficient data analysis process. The research focuses on encouraging integration of future research approaches to address any lingering argument or misconception concerning the issues of the uninhabited islands by China, Japan, and Taiwan. The research methodology was essential in demonstrating the diverse perceptions of Japan and China on the ownership of the island. In addition, the islands dispute has massive impact on the transformation of the relationship between the Chinese and Japanese governments in the international context with reference to the adoption of assertive form of policy. Findings about Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands Conflict The findings about Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands focus on the Japanese and Chinese perceptions and facets in relation to the alleged claims over the administration of the uninhabited islands. From this analysis, the thesis notes that Chinese and Japanese governments have diverse perceptions in relation to the ownership of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. The Chinese government notes that the islands are called Diaoyu rather than Senkaku in accordance with the perception from the Japanese government. Both China and Japan cites diverse treaties and historical documents to substantiate their claims of the islands vital for the fishing platforms. Another potential finding in this context is the separate claim of the islands by Taiwan thus a potential conflict with China and Japan concerning Diaoyu/Senkaku (Matt, 2013). The conflict between Japan and China concerning Diaoyu/Senkaku has massive influence on the international policy and security of China in its interaction with the global entities. Discussion & Analysis According to the Japanese government’s argument, Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory in relation to the international laws as well as historical perspectives thus lack of substantial dispute in relation to the piece of land. Nevertheless, the rest of the globe focuses on the main heated discussion over the islands. Japanese government seeks to avoid the crucial historical data in relation to illegal acquisition or amalgamation of the water bodies in 1895. In addition, Japanese government continues to assert, “From 1885 on, our government conducted on-site surveys time and again, which confirmed that the islands were uninhabited and there were no signs of control by the Qing Empire.” Japan claims to have found or located the islands in 1884 when a Japanese businessperson south to cultivate and lease the land. Nevertheless, the businessperson failed to acquire a contract from the government and home ministry for a few years because of uncertainties in relation to the ownership of the islands. In addition, the government did not want to raise any Chinese suspicion in concerning the islands (BBC News, 2014). Most Chinese researchers relate to this allegation and uncertainty to note that Japan did not have substantial right over the islands. It is argued that the businessperson (Koga) had the opportunity to acquire the islands in 1896 and continued to use the piece of land until 1920s before the procurement of the islands by his son soon after his death. Nevertheless, the treaty fails to identity Diaoyu/Senkaku islands by name, which makes it difficult for the clarification of the matters. According to Lohmeyer (2008), “the ownership of the islands in particular was sidestepped during the Cairo Declaration in 1943, decree 667 by the United Nations on the Japanese territory.” From this perspective, Japanese ownership of the islands relate to the outcome of the Sino-Japanese War. From the Chinese perspective, Qing period (1644-1911) substantiates the Chinese possession of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands preceding 1895. According to the documentations by Envoy, the islands reside inside the ‘border separating Chinese and foreign lands. In addition, the Taiwan gazetteers note, “Diaoyu Island accommodates ten or more large ships under the jurisdiction of Kavalan, Taiwan” (Eric, 2014). China claims the islands have been part of its territory since the ancient times offering the significant fishing grounds under the administration of the province of Taiwan. It is essential to note the ceding of Taiwan to Japan following the end of the Sino-Japanese War thus the adoption of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. From this perspective, the Chinese government argues that the return of Taiwan by the Treaty of San Francisco should have included the return of the islands. This diverse perception on the island has been essential in the generation of tensions and disputes between China and Japan as well as Taiwan, which is claiming the islands separately (Mamta, 2012). According to the findings of this research, the tension has rumbled relatively quietly for decades. Nevertheless, in April 2012, a fresh dispute ensued following the view of the outspoken right wing Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara to exploit public money in order to procure the islands from the relevant Japanese private owner (Hagstrom, 2005). It is essential to note that the Japanese government decided to reach a deal to procure three of the islands from the owner in a move aiming to block Mr Ishihara’s approach that is more provocative. This move did not go well with the Chinese thus triggering public and diplomatic protests across the nation (Joyman, 2011). Since the row, the Chinese government ships have regularly sailed in and out of what Japan terms as its territorial waters surrounding the islands. In November 2013, there was a twist to the dispute through the announcement of the creation of a new air-defence identification zone by the Chinese government (Chine Foreign Policy, 2014). This would require any aircraft in the zone covering the islands to comply with the rules and regulations in accordance with guidelines from Beijing (BBC News, 2014). In responding to the move, Japan sought to term it as a ‘unilateral escalation’ thus deciding to ignore it, as did the United States. In the wake of the World War II, the United States and Japan forged a security alliance, which became formal in 1960. According to the deal, the United States would protect Japan in the event of an attack for the exploitation of military bases in Japan (Beina, 2013). From this perspective, Japan would expect the backing of the United States in any conflict with China concerning the islands. According to the United States’ president, the security pact applies to the island. In addition, he warns of negative impact of the escalation of the current row to all sides (McCurry & Branigan, 2014). Diaoyu/Senkaku issue illustrates the more robust attitude of China in relation to its protective claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The issue or dispute of the islands continues to pose diverse threats and worrying questions about the regional security as the Chinese military modernises in the midst of the pivotal influence of the United States in the context of Asia (Shearman, 2013; Shambaugh, 2013; Zhaozhong, 2012). In both cases (Japan and China), the dispute over the islands continues to ignite nationalist passions on each side thus exerting substantial pressure on politicians to appear tough eventually limiting the possibility of reaching amicable resolution concerning the ownership of the islands. In handling this issue, China continues to be more forceful and staunch in the direction of Japan in relation to Diaoyu/Senkaku islands issue (Han-Yi, 2012). From Chinese perspective, Diaoyu/Senkaku dispute comes out as one of the key moments for the establishment of a new and immense supremacy connection with the United States (CHINA/JAPAN, 2013). This indicates that the disagreement is a de facto strategy between China and the United States. China recognizes the relationship and interaction between the United States and Japan, which us evident in the legal representation. This does not deter the Chinese government from adoption of assertive and forceful international policy and security issues while interacting with Japan concerning the islands. China sees this opportunity as the perfect chance to generate substantial relationship with the United States with the intention of enhancing its position in the Asian continent. Conclusion Diaoyu/Senkaku islands issue between Japan and China should be the turning point in relation to the Chinese foreign and security policy. Since the fresh rows concerning the islands China has sought to abandon its proactive policy in interacting with Japan for the adoption and implementation of the more assertive and resolute policy. From the above illustrations, these new developments have substantial impact on the foreign relations and security with reference to China and Japan seeking to strategise them for the new and powerful relationship with the United States. List of References BBC News Asia, 2014, ‘How uninhabited islands soured China-Japan ties.’ Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11341139 Beina, X, 2013, ‘The United States-Japan Security Alliance.’ Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/japan/us-japan-security-alliance/p31437 Brown, K. 2012, Hu Jintao: China’s Silent Ruler. Singapore: World Scientific Press. CHINA/JAPAN: Confrontations run risk of unintended war2013, Oxford Analytical Ltd, Oxford. Chine Foreign Policy: Main Tenets of China’s Foreign Policy. 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Joyman, L, 2011, ‘Senkaku/Diaoyu: Islands of Conflict.’ Retrieved from http://www.historytoday.com/joyman-lee/senkakudiaoyu-islands-conflict Junwu, P. 2009, Toward a New Framework for Peaceful Settlement of China's Territorial and Boundary Disputes. Leiden: Martinus Nijhoff. Lanteigne, M. 2013, Chinese Foreign Policy: An Introduction, New York: Routledge. Lohmeyer, M. 2008, The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands Dispute: Questions of Sovereignty and Suggestions for Resolving the Dispute, University of Canterbury (NZ). Mamta, B. 2012, ‘Why a tiny, uninhabited island chain is causing a huge row between China and Japan.’ Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-senkaku- diaoyu-dispute-2012-9?op=1 Matt, S. 2013, ‘How a tiny island chain explains the China-Japan dispute.’ Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/12/how-a-tiny-island-chain-explains- the-china-japan-dispute/281995/ McCurry, J. & Branigan, T. 24th April, 2014, Obama says US will defend Japan in island dispute with China, The Guardian, retrieved from: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/24/obama-in-japan-backs-status-quo-in-island-dispute-with-china Shambaugh, D. 2013, China Goes Global. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Shearman, P. 2013, Power Transition, and International Order in Asia: Issues and Challenges, New York: Routledge. Unryu, S. 2000, Sovereign Rights and Territorial Space in Sino-Japanese Relations. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. Zhongqi, P. 2007, Sino-Japanese Dispute over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands: The Pending Controversy from the Chinese Perspective, Journal of Chinese Political Science, vol.12, no.1. Read More