UPSC Prelims 2022 Q86: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
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.
Answer: (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
Explanation
The Senkaku Islands dispute
The Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu in China) are uninhabited islets in the East China Sea.
| Claimant | Position |
|---|---|
| Japan | Administers them; says it incorporated them in 1895 as terra nullius |
| China | Claims them as Diaoyu Dao, part of Taiwan province historically |
| Taiwan | Also claims them as Diaoyutai |
Why they matter:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resources | Rich fishing grounds and possible oil and gas |
| Strategy | Near key shipping lanes and the first island chain |
| US role | The US says the islands fall under the US-Japan Security Treaty |
Answer: (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Senkakus are natural islets in the East China Sea, not artificial islands in the South China Sea.
- (b) CORRECT. China and Japan dispute the Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea.
- (c) Incorrect. There is no US military base on the Senkakus; they are uninhabited.
- (d) Incorrect. The ICJ has never ruled on them, and the claimants are China, Japan and Taiwan.
Key point
Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands: East China Sea; administered by Japan, claimed by China and Taiwan; covered by the US-Japan Security Treaty.
Remember
Senkaku = Diaoyu = Japan vs China, East China Sea.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Senkakus (East China Sea) with the Spratlys and Paracels (South China Sea).
- Thinking China built them as artificial islands; that happened in the Spratlys.
- Assuming an ICJ ruling exists on the dispute.
Exam tip
East China Sea = Senkaku (Japan-China). South China Sea = Spratly and Paracel (China vs Southeast Asia).
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Senkaku Islands
- Council on Foreign Relations — China's Maritime Disputes