Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.

b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.

c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.

d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

Correct Answer: Option b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.

Learn more about Senkaku Islands in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

• The Senkaku/Diaoyu islands were formally claimed by Japan in 1895 and have been privately owned by a series of Japanese citizens for most of the past 120 years.
• China began to reassert claims over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the 1970s, citing historic rights to the area.
• Tensions between China and Japan over the contested Senkaku/Diaoyu islands continue to increase as both countries improve their military capabilities, particularly their radar and missile systems, in the region.

Japan's Position

• Administrative Clarity: The name change aims to eliminate administrative confusion arising from the similarity between the island's name and a locality in downtown Ishigaki.
• Responding to Chinese Presence: The name change is also a response to China's growing presence in the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands. It is seen as a measure to safeguard Japan's territorial integrity.
• US Support: Japan has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, which mandates US defense of Japan in case of an attack on its territory.

China's Position

• Territorial Sovereignty: China views Japan's decision as a blatant provocation to its territorial sovereignty. It considers the move illegal and illegitimate.
• Adherence to Four-Principle Consensus: China urges Japan to uphold the spirit of the four-principle consensus, refrain from stirring tensions over the Diaoyu Islands, and take concrete steps to maintain stability in the East China Sea.
• Four-Point Principle: The four-point principle on improving China-Japan ties was adopted in 2014 to foster a mutually beneficial relationship based on shared strategic interests.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

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