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​EAST CHINA SEA DISPUTE
The East China Sea (ECS) is surrounded on the west by China, and to the east by Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, the Ryukyu Island chain, and Taiwan.  A United Nations survey mission reported in 1968 that there were enormous untapped oil and gas reserves in the East China Sea seabed.  The richest deposits are concentrated where the waters become significantly deep in the Okinawa Trough, which is beyond China's continental shelf and before the Ryukyu Island chain.  Subsequently Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Okinawa (under U.S. administration at the time) staked claims in the area.  Their competing claims centered on the legal status of the Okinawa Trough.  As the basis of their respective claims, Japan used the median-line principle, whereas South Korea and Taiwan used the prolongation of land territory principle.  South Korea and Taiwan invoked the Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf of 1958 which established the 200 meter (124 miles) depth criterion.  Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan agreed to joint development of the area in the 1970s, at which time China protested their plan.   Both China and Japan ratified the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  China submitted its claim titled Concerning the Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf beyond 200 Nautical Miles in Part of the East China Sea to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) under UNCLOS.  Its position is that"the natural prolongation of the continental shelf of China in the East China Sea extends to the Okinawa Trough and beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea of China is measured".  The East China Sea Senkaku / Diaoyu / Diaoyutai dispute involves China, Japan, and Taiwan.  China and Japan have separate but interrelated claims involving where to delimit the sea boundary and sovereignty over the islands, while China and Taiwan maintain parallel claims regarding the islands.

Background on the East China Sea Dispute
Japan, China, and Taiwan have overlapping claims (historical, international legal, and topographical) to the Senkaku/Diaoyu/Diaoyutai Islands which are located in the East China Sea, Northwest of Taiwan. Current conflicting claims to the islands go back to First Sino-Japanese War in 1895 although both China and Japan represent centuries-old historic claims of discovery.  The issue of ownership over the islands were routinely set aside and rarely caused major diplomatic issues other than minor incidents. Although, Japan denies that there is any dispute over the territory at all, the issue of ownership over the islands has been routinely set aside and rarely caused major diplomatic issues other than minor incidents.

In 1995, China made a significant find of oil and gas fields in the Okinawa Trough. Chunxiao/Shirabaka is the largest gas field in this group.  China claimed the field was in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while Japan contended it was connected to other potential reserves that lay beyond the median line.  In 2005, Japan proposed that the two countries create a sea of peace in the area where the boundary has not been delineated.  Following a series of consultations in 2007 the two governments negotiated a resource sharing agreement which culminated in a 2008 consensus agreement on the development of oil and gas reserves. It became known as the 2008 Agreement ("Principled Consensus" in China).  However, following the 2009 election of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), mismanagement on both sides led to several crises which elevated the status of the dispute.

In 2010, Japanese Coast Guard vessels detained a Chinese fishing boat captain who was detained in the waters around the Pinnacle Islands. In reaction to the move China cut off joint cultural events, suspended several government contacts, halted negotiations over joint resource development, and escalated pressure on Japan through other means in order to release the Chinese captain. Japan eventually released the Chinese captain, but the incident signaled a low point in modern Japanese-Chinese relations and created new tensions over the islands.  After the 2010 incident, China began to send Chinese Coast Guard vessels to patrol the islands regularly.

In 2012, the governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara began a campaign to use public funds to buy the Islands from private Japanese citizens. Fearing that the governor would use the islands to escalate tensions, Prime Minister Yoshiko Noda had the Japanese government purchase the islands. China responded harshly to the move by regularizing patrols of the islands, engaging in heightened rhetoric, and announcing drawing baselines around the islands while anti-Japanese protests erupted throughout the country.  This marked a new high-point in tensions around the islands, leading to increased air and naval patrols around the territory, and China’s establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) overlapping the area in 2013, at which time the PLA Air Force conducted its first aerial patrol of the ADIZ.

The U.S. holds no position on the question of who has sovereignty over the islands, but will defend Japan’s position as administrator of the territory.  U.S. policy since 1972 is that Article 5 of the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the U.S. covers the islands.  This has been the position of both the Obama and Trump administrations on the dispute.  Established U.S. policy opposes the use or threat of force to promote sovereignty claims and supports the use of international law to resolve issues peacefully. 
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Taiwan contends the Diaoyutai Islands are under the administrative jurisdiction of Daxi Village in Toucheng Township, Yilan County. The islands constitute an integral part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Taiwan wants to resolve the issue peacefully and in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.  Accordingly, in 2012 Taiwan's president proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative, which urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; to not abandon dialogue; observe international law; to resolve disputes through peaceful means; and to form a mechanism for exploring and developing resources on a cooperative basis.  There have been several incidents of Taiwanese activists and fishing vessels entering into the waters of the Pinnacle Islands, though no major clashes. Japan and Taiwan signed the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement in 2013, which allows for Taiwanese fishing in and around the disputed islands. 

Implications for the Cross-Strait Relationship
Attempts to strengthen respective claims through coercive measures in the absence of a regional conflict management mechanisms could spark conflict between Japan and China, dragging the U.S. into the conflict in support of Japan.  This brings great power conflict to Taiwan’s border’s, risking possible economic damage to Taiwan, as well as the expansion of the conflict to include the Taiwan Strait.  Furthermore, depending on which political party is in power on Taiwan at that time, it could add up to potential action to make a formal move toward independence.
Picture
Source: Wikipedia Public Commons

East China Sea Maps

Okinawa Trough
Picture
Okinawa Trough (pink) is a trough in north of Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa Trench (red line) is a trench off Ryukyu Islands) Source: Wikipedia Public Commons

East China Sea Boundary Claims

Picture
Source: Rekishi Nihon

Border Claims, Oil and Gas Fields, and Disputed Areas
Picture
Source: Oil & Gas Financial Journal

China Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

Picture
Source: PRC Ministry of National Defense

People's Republic of China (PRC)

Diaoyu Dao - An Inherent Territory of China
Japan’s occupation of Diaoyu Dao during the Sino-Japanese War in 1895 is illegal and invalid. After World War II, Diaoyu Dao was returned to China in accordance with such international legal documents as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. No matter what unilateral step Japan takes over Diaoyu Dao, it will not change the fact that Diaoyu Dao belongs to China.
Picture
This map was drawn in 1561 and was collected in the eighth volume of Collected Works of Zheng Kaiyang. The map shows that Diaoyu Dao, Huangwei Yu and Chi Yu have been included in the jurisdiction of China’s coastal defense.
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​"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. Diaoyu Dao is China’s inherent territory in all historical, geographical and legal terms, and China enjoys indisputable sovereignty over Diaoyu Dao"
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White Paper: Diaoyu Dao - An Inherent Territory of China
September 2012
State Council Information Office
The People’s Republic of China

Xi Jinping
​Administration
​(2012 - )

2017
2016
2015
Chinese defends ship patrol near Diaoyu Islands​

China Coast Guard ships patrol Diaoyu Islands

Lee Teng-hui should apologize for Diaoyu Islands statement: Taiwan leader

China adds new languages to Diaoyu Islands website

Diaoyu Islands photos, documents exhibited

Lee Teng-hui's Diaoyu Islands remarks reprimanded in Taiwan

Publicity campaign aims to raise sovereignty awareness over Diaoyu Islands

In April this year, the Japanese government authorized 18 revised high school textbooks which assert Japanese ownership of neighboring countries' islands, including China's Diaoyu Islands.

China urges U.S., Japan not to drag Diaoyu Islands into bilateral security treaty

China continues Diaoyu Islands patrol

China Voice: Japan, U.S. shouldn't drag Diaoyu Islands into bilateral defense guidelines

Japan's Diaoyu Islands documents "out of context"
2013
U.S. says position unchanged on Diaoyu Islands

Foreign Minister chides Japan's 'lack of common sense'

Foreign Minister Wang Yi: The Objective Historical Facts Allow No Repudiation

Chinese navy patrols Diaoyu Islands on treaty anniversary

Mainland, Taiwan urged to jointly safeguard Diaoyu sovereignty

China continues patrols of Diaoyu Islands

China continues Diaoyu Islands patrols

Former Japanese ambassador Uichiro Niwa calls for prompt dialogue with China

Chinese helicopter patrols South China Sea

China refutes Japan's sea buoys accusation

All Japanese activities regarding Diaoyu Islands illegal

Overseas Chinese group in U.S. lodges protest against Japan over Diaoyu Islands

Chinese ships continue patrolling Diaoyu Islands

Chinese ships continue patrolling Diaoyu Islands waters

China urges respect for its territorial sovereignty

Cross-Strait compatriots share responsibility of safeguarding Diaoyu Islands

Chinese ships continue patrolling Diaoyu Islands water

Taiwanese, Japanese ships confront near Diaoyu Islands

China, Japan keeping communication on Diaoyu Islands

Chinese fleet monitors Japanese ships around Diaoyu Islands

Japan creating Diaoyu Islands tension

Chinese leader calls for dialogue to resolve Diaoyu Islands issue

China alert to Japanese Diaoyu Islands escalation

China to survey Diaoyu Islands

China publishes new maps; South China Sea islands highlighted

Military planes on "routine flights" over East China Sea

China to continue to patrol in Diaoyu Islands

China closely monitoring Japanese encroachment on Diaoyu Islands

China doesn't accept Japan's Diaoyu protests
2012
Diaoyu Dao:  The Inherent Territory of China
Ancient ancestors in China first discovered and named Diaoyu Dao through their production and fishery activities on the sea. In China's historical literature, Diaoyu Dao was also known as Diaoyu-Yu, Diaoyu-Tai or Diaoyu-Shan. The earliest recorded names of Diaoyu Dao, Chiwei Yu and several other places can be found in Voyage with a Tail Wind (Shun Feng Xiang Song) which began to be written in 1403 (the first year of Emperor Yongle’s reign of the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644). This documentation proves China discovered and named Diaoyu Dao as early as the 14th and 15th centuries.
Diaoyu Dao Was First Discovered, Named and Exploited by China

​China's National Marine Data and Information Service 

Hu Jintao Administration
​(2003 - 2012)

2012
Defense ministry strongly opposes U.S. defense authorization act


China opposes U.S. bill concerning Diaoyu Islands


China never accepts Japan's "control" of waters near Diaoyu Islands: FM spokeswoman

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A Better Future for China-Europe Relations


Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun Gave Briefing to Chinese and Foreign Journalists on the Diaoyu Dao Issue (Transcript)


Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun Gave Briefing to Chinese and Foreign Journalists on the Diaoyu Dao Issue


The Diaoyu Islands: The owner and the thief


Commentary: Japan's propaganda war on Diaoyu Islands doomed to fail


Evidence shows Diaoyu Dao is China's territory


China Exclusive: Japanese "sovereignty" claim over Diaoyu Islands never recognized by U.S.


Chinese surveillance ships patrol around Diaoyu Islands


China refutes Japanese politician' s remarks, reiterates sovereignty over Diaoyu Islands

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China's U.N. ambassador rebuts remarks by Japanese representative on Diaoyu Islands


White paper on Diaoyu Islands hits the market


Diaoyu Islands belong to China


Evidence shows Diaoyu Dao is China's territory


Ironclad Evidence Shows that Diaoyu Dao is China's Territory


Work Together to Achieve Common Security and Development


Remarks by Assistant Foreign Minister Le Yucheng At Symposium Marking the 40th Anniversary of The Normalization of Relations Between China and Japan



Yang Jiechi Expounds China's Solemn Position on the Diaoyu Islands Issue at the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly

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Yang Jiechi Meets with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton


Yang Jiechi Attends the General Debate of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly and Delivers a Speech


Full Text: Diaoyu Dao, an Inherent Territory of China White Paper


Remarks by Assistant Foreign Minister Le Yucheng At Symposium Marking the 40th Anniversary of The Normalization of Relations Between China and Japan


Chinese Defense Ministry confirms naval patrols near Diaoyu Islands


Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Reiterates China's Solemn Position on the Issue of Diaoyu Islands

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on Some Japanese Personnel's Illegal Landing on the Diaoyu Island


Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Remarks on Japanese Right-wing Activists' Landing on the Diaoyu Island



Remarks by Assistant Foreign Minister Le Yucheng at the Symposium on the Issue of Diaoyu DaoDiaoyu Islands cannot be bough


Diaoyu Islands cannot be bought


Convoys of China's Maritime Surveillance Vessels Arrived in the Waters of Diaoyu Dao on September 14, 2012 on a Law Enforcement Patrol Mission to Uphold China's Rights


Li Keqiang Meets with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister O'Neill

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang's Remarks on the Chinese Government's Release of the Base Points and Baselines of the Territorial Sea of the Diaoyu Island and Its Affiliated Islands


Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China


Premier Wen Jiabao Attends Inauguration of a Bronze Statue of Zhou Enlai and Chen Yi and Delivers a Speech at China Foreign Affairs University


Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China


Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Summoned Japanese Ambassador to China and Lodged Strong Protest


Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Baselines of the Territorial Sea of Diaoyu Dao and Its Affiliated Islands


Hu Jintao States China's Position on Relations with Japan, Diaoyu Islands


Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying Lodges Solemn Representations with Japan over Illegal Detention of Chinese Nationals Going to the Diaoyu Islands
President Hu Jintao on the Diaoyu Islands
Whatever ways the Japanese side uses to "purchase the islands" are illegal and invalid and China firmly opposes such moves. The Chinese government stands firm on the issue of safeguarding its territorial sovereignty... Japan must fully recognize the gravity of the situation and should not make wrong decisions. 
Hu Jintao States China's Position on Relations with Japan, Diaoyu Islands

President Hu Jintao remarks to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda
September 09, 2012
Diaoyu Islands Cannot Be Bought
On September 10, 2012, the Japanese government announced its decision to "purchase" Diaoyu Island and its affiliated Nanxiao Island and Beixiao Island under what Tokyo called "nationalization". This move taken by the Japanese government constitutes a serious violation of Chinese territorial sovereignty. The Chinese government and people firmly oppose it and have strongly protested against the move.
Diaoyu Islands Cannot be Bought
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China

​September 14, 2012

Republic of China (ROC Taiwan)

Tsai Ing-Wen Administration
(2016 - )
Diaoyutai Islands are part ROC territory
The Diaoyutai Islands are situated on the Republic of China’s (ROC) continental shelf in the East China Sea. Geologically, they are a part of the island chain northeast of Taiwan and therefore appertain to Taiwan, making them an inherent part of ROC territory. 
Ten Facts about the Diaoyutai Islands
ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Ma Ying-jeou Administration (2008-2016)
East Asia China Sea Peace Initiative
In September two years ago, after Japan announced the nationalization of the disputed Diaoyutai Islands, anti-Japanese demonstrations erupted in 20 cities throughout mainland China, and tensions escalated in the East China Sea.  As one of the claimants, the Republic of China has consistently maintained the stance that the Diaoyutai Islands are an inherent part of the territory of the ROC and are appurtenant to Taiwan. In response to these developments, and in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the August 5, 1952 signing of the Treaty of Peace between the Republic of China and Japan, I proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative on August 5, 2012. 
Former President Ma Ying-jeou
Remarks by President Ma at the 2014 East China Sea Peace Forum
MAC, 2014

Japan
Senkaku Islands
There is no doubt that the Senkaku Islands are clearly an inherent part of the territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based upon international law. Indeed, the Senkaku Islands are under the valid control of Japan. There exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands.

Japan will act firmly and calmly to maintain its territorial integrity.

​Japan continues to strive for peace and stability in the region, which is to be established through the observance of international law.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

US CONGRESS