The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands dispute and relations between China and Japan
The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands dispute and relations between China and Japan

Summary/Abstract: The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands dispute occupies a very important place in Sino-Japanese relations. Some of the key factors behind the dispute include the geographical location of the islands (and their distance from Okinawa, Taiwan and mainland China) as well as energy riches in the adjacent seabed. The dispute has also a history stretching over more than a century – from the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 to aftermath of World War II, to the 1969 discovery of energy riches on the seabed adjacent to the islands, the return of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty and the rise of tensions within previous ten years. This issue has retained top importance for both Chinese and Japanese authorities as well as capacity of worsening the relations between China and Japan. The strong nationalistic feelings in the Chinese (mainland China and Taiwan) and Japanese public opinion have occasionally exerted influence on decision-making in Beijing and Tokyo (more so in Japan than in China). Within previous ten years, the islands dispute has seen a number of attempts, bilateral and multilateral, at resolving and they have featured different level officials. Provided that all sides involved have enough political will to resolve the dispute, it is possible to foresee potential negotiations and peaceful solution of the dispute, a solution supported by all major powers in the region. The potential negotiations will be difficult from their pre-negotiation phase and will stand chances of success only if the nationalistic elements on both sides are discouraged from using the issue for achieving political gains. In addition, broadening the existing channels of communication between two sides will improve their mutual understanding, vital to the overall improvement of relations.

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