In January 1895, Japan officially incorporated the Senkaku Islands into its territory after confirming that no other state had exercised control over the islands prior to this time. This was done in accordance with the international legal norms that existed at the time.
Following World War II, the San Francisco Peace Treaty placed the Senkaku Islands under U.S. administration as part of Okinawa, reaffirming their status as Japanese territory. After their incorporation into Japan’s territory, civilians settled on the previously uninhabited islands, with government permission. These settlers engaged in businesses such as dried bonito production and feather collecting.
At one point, the islands had over 200 inhabitants, and taxes were collected. Japan continues to administer the islands through patrols and law enforcement, firmly establishing the islands as part of Japan’s sovereign territory under both historical facts and international law.
Recognition Issues
For approximately 75 years after Japan’s incorporation of the islands in 1895, the Chinese government did not contest Japan’s sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands. However, during the 1970s, attention shifted toward the islands due to speculation about the potential existence of oil reserves in the East China Sea. Despite the U.S. administering the islands after World War II and using them for military purposes, the islands were still regarded as Japanese territory in Chinese Communist Party publications and maps.
“Shelve Issues” Debate
Japan has consistently denied any agreement with China to “shelve” issues related to the Senkaku Islands, as evidenced by diplomatic records. China’s actions to change the status quo through force or coercion contradict this claim. In 1992, China passed the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, explicitly claiming the islands as Chinese territory. Since 2008, China has regularly dispatched government ships into the waters around the islands, repeatedly intruding into Japanese territorial waters.
Japan-China Relations
Since normalizing diplomatic relations with China, Japan has supported its development, providing over 3 trillion yen in official development assistance (ODA). Japan believes that China’s development as a responsible international player will contribute to the stability and growth of the Asia-Pacific region. Japan continues to prioritize its relationship with China as one of its most significant bilateral ties.
The Okinawa Reversion Agreement of 1972 returned administrative control over the islands within the defined boundary lines to Japan, which includes the Senkaku Islands.
