Dispute over Eastern Islands in South China Sea between Japan and China heats up

Anil Narendra 

Controversy between Japan and China over the eastern islands of South China Sea is heating up. China claimed on Friday that it has sent six surveillance ships to the disputed area. Confirming this, Japan warned the Chinese ships to leave the area. These islands are known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan. What is the dispute? The dispute relates to five islands and three barren rocks. The area of these islands is 4,200 sq. mtrs. All the three countries-Japan, China and Taiwan are claiming their sovereignty over this area. The sea around these islands is rich in fish resources. In a study done in 1968, evidences of oil reserves were found here. This is not a new dispute. It’s a more than hundred years old dispute. In 1895, Japan had annexed these Islands to its Okinawa Province during a war with China. During the Second World War, in 1945, after the defeat of Japan, America took possession of these Islands. China put up its official claim on these Islands to the US in 1971. In 1972, the US once again handed over the rights to these Islands to Japan. Japan is not the only country in this region, which has dispute with China. Disputes over ownership in the South China Sea with Vietnam, Brunei etc., are continuing with China. Beijing has expressed its displeasure over a contract awarded to an Indian Company by Vietnam for oil exploration in this area. Chinese patrol vessels have reached near the Diaoyu Islands on Friday and the vessels have started their task of patrolling and amending laws. According to News Agency, Xinhua, the Chinese vessel has reached in this area for the first time after the announcement by Beijing about the coordinates and base lines based on the sea zones of Islands and attached islands. According to an official release, these law amendments and patrolling activities are meant to claim Chinese sovereignty over Diayou Islands and to safeguard country’s sea interests. This group of Islands lies on an important sea route and vast reserves of hydrocarbon also lie here. Japan has also confirmed the arrival of Chinese vessel and it has also asked the Chinese vessels to leave the area. The Coast Guard Force of Japan said on Friday that Chinese vessels have been asked to leave the Japanese marine boundaries. After the warning, three Chinese have left the area, but three vessels are still staying in the area. Meanwhile, Chinese media and Deputy Chief of Chinese Central Military Commission, Xu Calihou have asked soldiers to remain alert for war. Calihou made this comment on Thursday during the inspection of military unit in Shamsi province. Chinese media also attacked Japan. Media said that Japan must be taught a lesson. Japan had purchased these islands on Tuesday. Chinese Global Times wrote in its editorial, ‘China is engaged in improving relations with its neighbours, but Japan has been creating problems for last some years.’ The editorial also said that Chinese cannot repeat what US and Russia have done to Japan. But it must be taught a lesson.