Senkaku Islands: A Historical and Legal Overview
In January 1895, after careful research and confirming that no other state had exercised control over the Senkaku Islands before that period, the Government of Japan legally incorporated the islands into Japanese territory under the international legal framework of the time.
After World War II, the San Francisco Peace Treaty placed the Senkaku Islands under U.S. administration as part of Okinawa, thereby reaffirming the islands’ status as part of Japan’s territory. Following Japan’s incorporation of the islands, Japanese civilians were permitted by the government to settle on the previously uninhabited islands. These settlers established businesses such as dried bonito manufacturing and feather collecting.
At one point, the islands had more than 200 inhabitants, and taxes were collected from them. The Government of Japan continues to exercise control over the islands, patrolling and enforcing laws to ensure continued administration. Based on historical facts and international law, it is clear that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan’s territory and under its valid control.
Recognition Problems
For about 75 years, the Chinese government did not dispute Japan’s sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands. However, in the 1970s, the situation shifted when significant attention was brought to the islands due to the potential discovery of oil reserves in the East China Sea. Despite the San Francisco Peace Treaty placing the Senkaku Islands under U.S. administration as part of Japan’s territory, and the U.S. using part of the islands as firing ranges, the Senkaku Islands continued to be treated as part of Japan in Chinese Communist Party publications and Chinese maps.
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“Shelve Issues”
Japan has consistently maintained that no agreement ever existed with China to “shelve” issues regarding the Senkaku Islands. This position is clear from published diplomatic records. The assertion of such an agreement directly contradicts China’s actions to alter the status quo through force or coercion. In 1992, China passed the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, explicitly asserting its claim over the islands. Since 2008, China has been sending government ships to the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, repeatedly violating Japan’s territorial waters.
Japan-China Relations
After normalizing diplomatic relations with China, Japan has consistently supported China’s reform and development policies. Japan’s support has included Official Development Assistance (ODA) totaling over 3 trillion yen, driven by the belief that China’s development as a responsible member of the international community would contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan continues to prioritize its bilateral relationship with China, one of its most important foreign relations. The continued stable growth of Japan-China relations will benefit the peoples of both nations, the region, and the international community. Japan will also maintain its commitment to promoting the Mutually Beneficial Strategic Relationship with China, with the broader goal of enhancing regional and global stability.
As per the Okinawa Reversion Agreement of 1972, the administrative rights of all islands within the area marked by straight lines on the map were returned to Japan. This includes the Senkaku Islands, which are an integral part of the territory governed by Japan.
