politics

Lawmakers push gov't to get tough on Senkakus dispute

73 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

73 Comments
Login to comment

This was Japan's territorial expansion, which can never be justified. Therefore, in the light of historical fact, Japan's title to the Senkaku Islands is not clear. Japan's territorial rights over the Senkaku Islands should be resolve through diplomacy. However, diplomacy is not in Japan's vocabulary.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Japan's thought of investment in such an isolated island seems to be a manifestation of an unexplained trend towards a familiar fanatical nationalism. While such nationalistic sentiments are not easily quashed or ceased, U.S. and regional diplomatic action is necessary to prevent long-latent tensions from worsening. The international community must therefore pressure Japan and China alike to act more responsibly. The J-goverment must quit their brazen nationalistic stance and approach Chinese more diplomatically. The responsibility of utmost importance, however, lies with Japan and formally terminate their animosity.

To do so would empower Japan's legitimacy as a rational diplomatic role model for similar developing nations. This could consequently force other states involved in territorial disputes to realize that diplomacy rather than military force is the most constructive approach. Thus, in order to be recognized as a responsible world power and member of the UNSC, Japan needs to demonstrate civil diplomatic behavior through cautious and rational actions. Their cession would also improve the Japan's reputation in East Asia. Although China too must terminate its antagonism in the Senkaku, Japan ought to make the first move. Their reconciliation would soothe Japanese anxiety and hopefully ease tensions with the Chinese as well. Thus, the Japan’s compliance with regular diplomatic meetings will ultimately set the example for other countries to determine the fate of the region.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Let Japan try to tackle China aggressively.

Let them do it alone.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I think America has to state blatantly to Japan that it is not prepared to go to war with China over this issue. Clinton hinted such last year, but as usual the japanese hear only what they want to hear and are under the missaprehension that the US will back them up on this.

Once America states this, it will put an end to this nonsense. Japan has to get over the past and try to get on with its neighbours. It lost WW 2 and as a result lost the Southern Kuriles to Russia, Dokdo to South Korea and the Senkakus to China. Apart from the historical facts of Japan's ownership of these territories being based on very weak foundations, these are the facts and Japan should accept this.

I'm real glad japan isn't a geographical neighbour to my home country.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Put this matter in the U.N. Let it decide, based on historical evidence, who has claim to these islands.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Which party do the lawmakers belong to? Are they all members of the opposition LDP? If they are, there purpose becomes clear: to cause problems for the government. They probably are as "push government" susgests they are opposition.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

'Ownership' depends on how far back in history you go.

I personally think they should see whether the Senkakus lie on either of the countries' continental plates (this could be determined immediately by checking an undersea geographical map.

Otherwise, both countries co-manage the islands and split the surrounding resources (nice in theory; would never work in the real world).

Ideally, let the UN and international Maritime conventions determine ownership.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Who cares. I think they have more important issues at hand to concern themselves with.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

In his closing comments, Mr. Ishihara gave grave warnings about failure of Government to take a tougher stance.

"If you don't do what I want," he said, "I will scream and scream until I'm sick, and I can, you know".

What a bunch of babies. Can you imagine the scene they'd have made if a group of Chinese jumped-up nobodies had gone on an 'unofficial “fishing” trip to waters off the islands'? They'd be stomping up and down Yasukuni in fancy dress.

And don't lay too much store on that 1 billion in "donations". I have it on good authority that the "donations" came from Tokyo Metropolitan bureaucrats who were "strongly advised to support the Governor". Essentially, if you ever wanted to be promoted again in your life, you'd better cough up and sign your name.

This shrieking goon has more in common with Kim Jong Il that he'd thank me for pointing out. And that's why I point it out at every opportunity.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

It belongs to China.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Japan really needs to grow up already and start acting like a developed nation.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Once America states this, it will put an end to this nonsense. Japan has to get over the past and try to get on with its neighbours. It lost WW 2 and as a result lost the Southern Kuriles to Russia, Dokdo to South Korea and the Senkakus to China. Apart from the historical facts of Japan's ownership of these territories being based on very weak foundations, these are the facts and Japan should accept this.

True, Japan is only lucky that their country wasn't totally occupied as a result.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases. One year to pack up and get out. Japan would have to expand the SDF and turn it into a military. Article 9 would have to be revoked. Do the Americans really want this to happen? If China takes those islands there will be hell to pay. Plus add thousands of Japanese dead. Ships lost or perhaps Japan can hold them off. The Chinese navy is a joke.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

sflip330, these islands belong to Okinawa. This area might have natural gas to help Japan. Second Okinawa does not want to be part of Japan. Like Hitler once they get this piece they will grab the rest. If the war starts it might as well start now and China has to be the aggressor.

Any government that hands over these islands is history. They would be lucky to avoid jail time.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Bad slip big blush Okinawa does not want to be part of China.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases. One year to pack up and get out. Japan would have to expand the SDF and turn it into a military. Article 9 would have to be revoked. Do the Americans really want this to happen? If China takes those islands there will be hell to pay. Plus add thousands of Japanese dead. Ships lost or perhaps Japan can hold them off. The Chinese navy is a joke.

@YuriOtani: "there will be hell to pay"? lol...... I would dare Japan to try. As for mocking China's growing navy, would you like to personally challenge them and verify your claim?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

YuriOtani

Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases. One year to pack up and get out. Japan would have to expand the SDF and turn it into a military. Article 9 would have to be revoked. Do the Americans really want this to happen? If China takes those islands there will be hell to pay. Plus add thousands of Japanese dead. Ships lost or perhaps Japan can hold them off.

Yuri again with the war talk. That seems to be your first response to everything. Lets kick out the Yanks, build a military and blah blah blah. Havent you learnt your lesson from last time. If you are that worried about your islands then take the matter to the ICJ and get a ruling that is unbiased and world recognised. Not just some little Japanese court decision

The Chinese navy is a joke.

If the chinese navy is a joke then the JMSDF must be an entire comedy show......

Afterall why else would the US need such a large force to counter this joke as you call it. Its easy to talk tough when you sit half a world away from Japan isnt it?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Whiskeyspur, the Senkakus are Japanese.

They are only Chinese in the eyes of people who do not respect history and who would rather play silly imperialist war games. 

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Let's face facts: this issue is about sovereignty and access to potential energy resources.

That's why China wants the Senkakus.

But it's funny how the Chinese government only started claiming the islands >after< energy sources were discovered around the islands, which lays waste to any semblance of credibility of the Chinese Government's claims and despite some of the rhetoric of certain Chinese posters who use Japan Today to expose and showcase their blind adherence to the Chinese Government's official propaganda.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Let the UN decide.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I applaud governor Ishihara's move to elevate this issue. He clearly has more b_lls than JGov on this issue, and he realizes how important energy resources are to the future of Japan.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Cletus the Japanese people do not want to be burden with a past they did not have a part. Watching the US military channel, Japanese are not put in a good light. People still associate the Japan of today with the past. As an Aussie you should know appeasement did not work in the past and will not work now or in the future. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. Did they not teach you in school what lead to the war? Did you know Hitler could of been taken down easy at the start? Instead there were over One hundred million dead and the world in ruins. What do you know of the Maritime self defense force? It is a lot stronger then the Royal Australian Navy. Which has 53 ships including 12 frigates. In a conflict with China it would be hopeless. Also your navy is downsizing though you had the good sense to by American. The Royal New Zealand navy has 2 frigates and 6 patrol boats.

You are next after Japan and Taiwan. If we can not hold China back, then you better learn Chinese. So do you see why the holding and defense of these islands is important?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

CVHaun, Chinese Navy Ships are based off of Soviet technology. A technology that has failed time and again across the entire world. I served my time in the SDF and am very proud of what Japan has done. We have a fleet of defense. Very good at defense but not offense. I say to China, if you want them come and get them. If you lose the entire leadership will be purged and maybe another million or more Chinese will did by their own. If you want peace then give up on what belongs to Okinawa.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

YuriOtaniJun. 12, 2012 - 11:19AM JST

Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases.

And Japan would be politically isolated and an international afterthought,.

For some in Japan, such as Ishihara and the LDP, a return to sakoku, might be desirable, but the reality of such a situation would be catastrophic for the majority of the Japanese.

The problem with Japan is that the US never really dealt with Japan as a vanquished nation after 1945. It treated it as a wayward special needs child and pampered it accordingly. Japan, as a political collective, behaves accordingly.

Time for America to cut the ambilical chord and this might be a good place to start.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

According to newspaper and website, Chinese government calls for diplomatic solution, Japanese politicians goes on a fishing trip to show 'ownership' of some islands. Better still, some stupid people talk about war.

It is a conflict of interest, not silly ideology difference, not good against evil, not black and white, not..., only interest.

Vladmir Putin left bitter taste in many Japanese mouth, by visiting so called 'Northern Islands" and declared that no territory changed hand ever in history without a war. Some Japanese are going down the same road against China.

Claims to Northern Islands are logically in direct conflict to claims to these islands.
1 ( +2 / -1 )

YuriOtaniJun

Did you pickup your gun to take back northern islands when Russia president and PM declared that 'No territory change without a war in history? Or you are just a big talker? If you love war so much and hate dark evil so much, why not go to Iraq or Afgan to show your value?

By the way, Australia is stronger than you thought. It does not rely on Japan for its own existence.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This was Japan's territorial expansion, which can never be justified. You can`t be serious. I think the world has to worry a lot more about Chinese aggression and expansionism. Ask the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Tibet among others. The Chinese government is the equivalent of a dictatorial regime with scant regard to the human rights of its own citizens let alone those of other countries.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

YuriOtani

Cletus the Japanese people do not want to be burden with a past they did not have a part. Watching the US military channel, Japanese are not put in a good light. People still associate the Japan of today with the past.

Yes Yuri, you are still looked at in a poor light. Why is that? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that as a nation you have still not come to terms with your past actions. And if you want proof of that just visit any Japanese museum or shrine associated with the war. For instance on the weekend l visited the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. Now that was a good laugh, the way you portray the reasons for entering the war, the victim mentality, the omissions of war crimes the list goes on and on. You come to terms with your past Yuri and then you can look to the future. But that wont happen because you as a nation have adopted the victim mentality and refuse to acknowledge your past failings.

As an Aussie you should know appeasement did not work in the past and will not work now or in the future. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. Did they not teach you in school what lead to the war? Did you know Hitler could of been taken down easy at the start?

Yes l do know that Yuri, everyone knows that but the British and French did not have the stomach to do it.

Instead there were over One hundred million dead and the world in ruins.

Wow Yuri 100 million. Gee you like to over inflate figures. The accepted number is 50 - 70 million. Where on earth do you get 100 million from. Is that typical japanese accounting is it. Like the other day you inflated figures for Japanese dead by at least double.

What do you know of the Maritime self defense force?

Quite a lot actually. Which is why l made the statement l made.....

It is a lot stronger then the Royal Australian Navy. Which has 53 ships including 12 frigates. In a conflict with China it would be hopeless. Also your navy is downsizing though you had the good sense to by American. The Royal New Zealand navy has 2 frigates and 6 patrol boats.

A couple of points for you Yuri.

Yes we have a smaller navy that Japan but we also have a much smaller population therefore smaller base of recruiting, smaller funding etc etc. The RAN is not actually downsizing at all but quite the opposite. We are adding to the vessels you mentioned 2 LHD vessels, 3 Air warfare destroyers similar to US AEGIS ships, and possibly replacing our 6 submarines with 12 newer vessels. So an increase of 17 vessels is hardly downsizing at all now is it. We are not in a conflict with China. We are also nowhere near China and at no risk from them. So your point?

You are next after Japan and Taiwan. If we can not hold China back, then you better learn Chinese. So do you see why the holding and defense of these islands is important?

Big difference between Japan and Taiwan to Australia and it is about 10000km and numerous other countries in between us and them. Try looking at a map Yuri, they would also have to go through Indonesia, Phillipines, PNG just to get there. And what the world will sit back you think?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

"Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases. One year to pack up and get out."

Okay, maybe the US should call your bluff. If the US stated categorically that it would NOT defend those islands, are you seriously saying that the Japanese govt, would order all US bases to close? And give them a year?

How much would you like to bet?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

This was Japan's territorial expansion, which can never be justified.

You can`t be serious. I think the world has to worry a lot more about Chinese aggression and expansionism. Ask the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Tibet among others. The Chinese government is the equivalent of a dictatorial regime with scant regard to the human rights of its own citizens let alone those of other countries.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"He clearly has more b_lls than JGov on this issue"

I wish people would stop equating idiocy with testicles.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan can 'get tough' all it wants -- when China says 'no' they will scurry behind their American shield.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

They are only Chinese in the eyes of people who do not respect history and who would rather play silly imperialist war games.

@SushiSake3, are you blind? It is Japan who does not respect history and acknowledge or apologize for ALL the atrocities it committed in Korea and China. Japan has not settled its territorial dispute with Russia on the northern islands as well as South Korea, and yet you and YuriOtani are willing to escalate the dispute with China towards war. Have you gone mad?! Like Governor Ishihara, you folks are not so pacifist and mature after all. And are not even trying to be anymore.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

YuriOtani: "Cletus the Japanese people do not want to be burden with a past they did not have a part."

I'd say it's more apt to say the Japanese don't want to be burdened with a past they DID have a part in -- in fact, that they created, but denial is indeed strong in Japanese blood. I'm just surprised you haven't turned this thread into an anti-US base rant yet... oh wait:

"Dog if America refuses to defend those islands then it will be an end to their bases. One year to pack up and get out."

So, you now defend the US bases being there and serving a purpose in defending your nation? Why do you constantly contradict yourself and as such undermine your arguments?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Cletus, the figure was for the entire world. This includes China and Russia. If anything my count is low. There was a civil war in China. The communists were fighting the nationalists. Both sides were just as ugly as the Japanese if not more.

Brings us back to these small islands. What about the other islands in the Ryukyu chain? Will America say it will not defend them too? After all using your logic they belong to China.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

YuriOtani

Cletus, the figure was for the entire world. This includes China and Russia. If anything my count is low. There was a civil war in China. The communists were fighting the nationalists. Both sides were just as ugly as the Japanese if not more.

Yuri, please look up the accepted figures for the period 1939 to 1945. That is the time frame you referred to and you will find that the ACCEPTED figures (not the Yuri figures) are 25-50% lower than your claim. But it doesnt surprise me given your penchant for embellishing figures and use of dubious sources for your figures.

Brings us back to these small islands. What about the other islands in the Ryukyu chain? Will America say it will not defend them too? After all using your logic they belong to China.

I will say one thing Yuri, you want the US out of Japan. Fine let them go elsewhere, l would be happy having them in my country. Even Vietnam is allowing ships into their ports. So leave Japan to defend itself and go elsewhere, all l will say is good luck.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

smithinjapan, Please tell me how many innocent people I or anyone in my generation killed? Go back to my parents generation? You have to go back to my grandparents and they are all dead. There are not many left that did the killing. So you are telling me the children and grandchildren are responsible for the sins of our ancestors? Perhaps Japan should be put down once and for all? You play into the hands of the right wing. It was paranoia that lead Japan down the low road. Though I think it was feed by the west by their racism.

Oh what I am saying is either Japan will help defend Japan or they will not. If they are not willing to defend Japan they need to leave. So lets say Japan hands over these islands to China. How long do you think it will take them to ask for the rest? I do not like war but rolling on your stomach and exposing your throat is not the path to security.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I wonder why Japan doesn't have a copy of the Sino-Japanese war peace treaty in which China revoked all claim to the islands... It did happen, and historical evidence does show it, but why is the treaty not publicly available?

Considering the vast resources under those islands, there is much at stake for both Japan and USA. Japan needs the resources, and USA needs Japan to be strong to lessen their burden of supporting the area.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Am getting tired, my bed time, America help Japan. Though I do not think the government in Tokyo has a spine. Showdown now or latter when China is really strong. I think it is just a matter of time.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

YuriOtani: "America help Japan."

So now you're begging for help from the people you normally ask to leave? Once again I find your contradictions interesting.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

YuriOtani: "Showdown now or latter when China is really strong."

China would decimate Japan in a matter of days while the girly-boys in the SDF run and hide. The US is the ONLY thing keeping China at bay, and you know it -- despite your constant ranting that they are not needed and should leave. I suggest you think deeply about that before the next US base story comes out.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It was paranoia that lead Japan down the low road. Though I think it was feed by the west by their racism.

Ugh, aren't you getting tired of playing the victim by now... And I guess the Japan racism in the past (and continues to the present) doesn't matter...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

YuriOtani

Please tell me how many innocent people I or anyone in my generation killed? Go back to my parents generation? You have to go back to my grandparents and they are all dead. There are not many left that did the killing.

Good point Yuri, so there is no point in Japan commemorating Hiroshima / Nagasaki as most of the people who where directly impacted would have passed away by now and only their decendants are left. Thought not!!!

So you are telling me the children and grandchildren are responsible for the sins of our ancestors?

Yes as long as you do not accept their actions and wrong doings. You should be. As long as you continue to whitewash the past, celebrate your war criminals, and not come to terms with the truth the answer to your question is a resounding YES!!!!

You play into the hands of the right wing. It was paranoia that lead Japan down the low road. Though I think it was feed by the west by their racism.

Wow, now who is accepting the right wing lines. It was greed and imperialistic ambition nothing more nothing less. It was not paranoia, it was not racism but Japans greed that caused this. But given your history l doubt you can accept this.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Let the world court and UN decide on the sovereignty of the Islands, plus the other islands around Philippine and Vietnam as well. The shameless China is bullying small and weak nations around the area through phony bilateral negotiation one by one. The world body must step up to the plate for its own credibility instead allowing China to play a divisive game in the midst. The sooner is better since China is building and moving all fronts to their favors through business enticing and arm twisting tactics. "Men do not live by bread alone", for the communist China never understand this. The freedom loving nations should unite against China new form of colonialism. Let's learn from Tibet's experience

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Let the world court and UN decide on the sovereignty of the Islands, plus the other islands around Philippine and Vietnam as well. The shameless China is bullying small and weak nations around the area through phony bilateral negotiation one by one. The world body must step up to the plate for its own credibility instead allowing China to play a divisive game in the midst. The sooner is better since China is building and moving all fronts to their favors through business enticing and arm twisting tactics. "Men do not live by bread alone", for the communist China never understand this. The freedom loving nations should unite against China new form of colonialism. Let's learn from Tibet's experience

Sorry, Bgood41. At this incredibly uncertain state of the global economy, it is not wise to antagonize the giant, China. Your view is far too idealistic. It is far too risky with consequences far too great to throw China under the bus.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Cletus: "Good point Yuri, so there is no point in Japan commemorating Hiroshima / Nagasaki as most of the people who where directly impacted would have passed away by now and only their decendants are left. Thought not!!!"

While I was disagreeing with you on a previous thread for the bicycle stuff, I agree with you here 100% YuriOtani is a textbook case of how textbooks in Japan (ie. history) are dealt with -- exaggerate the victim card and eliminate the culpability. He simply cannot accept the facts, be it history or present -- he demands the US leave Okinawa, and then demands they defend Japan against China in more or less the same breath.

Here we have lawmakers -- yeah, people who make laws -- demanding people live on rocks for some repetition of Japanese Imperialism, because people like Yuri refuse to accept historical fact. China is no better in this matter, but them being no better doesn't improve Japan's image with their ignorance and actions based on said ignorance. There simply is no high road here, much as Japan thinks its in the right. The path Japan is currently taking is NO BETTER than that of China, much as they might chafe at the suggestion. Meanwhile their reasoning for ownership to the islands in question COMPLETELY contradicts their claims to ownership of other island disputes. But Yuri will tell you that doesn't matter in those cases -- it's not the same!

Hence, the downright ignorance of a lot of Japanese politicians or people on the issue. Some 1800 people are legally allowed, per year, to register their legal address on these pieces of rock and other islands Japan claims to own, but if you lied about your address you'd be called a criminal and shipped out. It's pretty clear that both nations in this issue smack astoundingly of hypocrisy.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Bgood: "Let the world court and UN decide on the sovereignty of the Islands, plus the other islands around Philippine and Vietnam as well."

What's most amusing is that Japan doesn't feel the need to take this to the UN for a non-binding decision, but demand in other island disputes that it be brought up for UN approval. Now, why is it okay in some cases but not others?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Those are British islands. Hands off Japan and China.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Yeah right the UN, smith youre starting to sound like the average Aussie there when you rely on 2 letters, as if it is worlds governing authority. You sounded good for a while there, I mean the average housewife can guess that Japan, no wait Tokyo, buying the islands, smells fishy. Asian countries think it is a word game, that's why it gets labelled, interest. But Aqua you had to jump in with the most arrogant word sloggers didntcha; Britain. It is good entertainment though.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It is a lot stronger then the Royal Australian Navy. Which has 53 ships including 12 frigates. In a conflict with China it would be hopeless. Also your navy is downsizing though you had the good sense to by American. The Royal New Zealand navy has 2 frigates and 6 patrol boats.

Hahahahahahahaha. The best laugh I've had in a while. Any arm of the Japanese "military" is a joke. They couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag if you gave them an industrial-grade set of wet paper bag openers and directions on how to use them. Ask ANY other military, a real military, which they'd rather go to war with, and the only answer you'd get would be the Aussies.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

illsayit: Couldn't really make heads or tails of your comment -- but that's the nature of rants, I guess. It's amusing, though, that you think I am supporting the UN in any way, or in any form, on this issue. Did you perhaps misread? I said, in fact, that any island dispute taken to the UN (two letters) or IWC or otherwise is non-binding and irrelevant. Japan claims these islands are Japanese, so why the need to have them recognized by an independent, non-binding body? China also claims they are Chinese, so why the need to have them recognized by said bodies? Point is -- it's a conflict, one that Japan can only crawl away from with tail between legs, begging the Americans for help and then cursing them a moment later.

For a change, I'm actually with Yuri when he's not being hypocritical -- let the Americans go, and see what happens with China. Japan certainly can't defend itself, so better start learning Chinese, peeps! These government officials seem pretty hell bent on it.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Build an Izakaya and I will visit.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

YuriOtani: "smithinjapan, Please tell me how many innocent people I or anyone in my generation killed? Go back to my parents generation?"

None that I can think of, but as you should never, ever feel guilt about the sins of the fathers, nor should you ever forget or deny them, which you are intent on doing. "Wasn't me!" doesn't fly in this case if you refuse to admit who it actually was that committed the crimes. But you seem pretty quick to point the finger at Americans and the Chinese.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Why not just drop a large bomb on them and sink them.

Then the issue would disappear beneath the waves with the rocks.... :-)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

For those fighting morons, let's have some history lessons here:

The world began some 13 billion years ago, after god made the huge BANG. Grand grand grand...fathers of Chinese lived in caves till some 3,000 ago, by that time, grand grand grand...fathers of Japanese lived on tree top. Neither sides seem to be able to go to this no man islands on regular basis and still come back alive till 3000 ago. Chinese seems to begin civilization a bit earlier, I assume they become regular visitor first. However, Chinese army failed to protect its own border since some 600 years ago, let alone keeping the islands for its own benefit. Because of its convenience location to both side, I think Chinese come one day, Japanese come the other, some time they come together. Sometimes they get drunk together, sometimes they fought each other out for women. International laws arrive less than 100 years ago. It fails to recognize shared resources. It is not able to judge any thing outside its boundary. And there is simply NOT a respect judge on that.

So, the only reasonable thing to do is:

Relax Have a cup of coffee Have some very long, serious talk. Have some wonderful diner, perhaps some sushi.
0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sushisake: "Then the issue would disappear beneath the waves with the rocks.... :-)"

Very true, but then if Japan bombed them China would consider it a declaration of war. If China bombed them likewise Japan, and Ishihara, would fume and call it an attack (Ishihara would resort to blinking 100 times per second as an exclamation point!!). Then of course you still have the territorial issue and the gas pockets and rich sea resources, etc. :)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

the possibility of having people living there,”.........................................

Since Ishihara san is going to buy the islands, let him be the first to settle there. We don't want any absentee landlord.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What they should do is select a team of say 20 men who think these islands are so important. Put them in a walled up area in a third country with nothing but swords that they chose themselves. No other rules. The side that dies or otherwise quits loses. Simple.

And the plus side is that since they all cared so much, the world will have fewer jerks in the world who would bring us war over some stupid little islands. Ishihara should be in the vanguard with some of these lawmakers flanking him. I would love to see them put their samurai spirit to the test! It would make great TV!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

YuriOtani is a textbook case of how textbooks in Japan (ie. history) are dealt with -- exaggerate the victim card and eliminate the culpability.

Specific examples please of history textbooks now in general use in Japanese high schools. Authors, publishers and page numbers.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

YuriOtani

In my knowledge, Australia is depending on resource export to China for economy. In the reality, Australia navy expenditure was financed by revenue from China. Australian politicians are very reluctant about offending China. Let alone talk about direct confrontation with China. US banker is also China. Without China finance, it is impossible to pay wages to Marines and public servants. Military prowess is not everything. No one can survive without financial strength.

At the end, money talk. No Government from both nations are willing to wage the war with China. US has spent two billions a week and thousands of lives for waging two wars. it is no longer afford to wage another war unless the conflict is real national interest. Sadly, US banker is China. Not Australia or Japan! Peaceful solution is favorable than cocky war mongering.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I believe the islands belong to China for two reasons: One, they do sit on top of the continental shelf extending from China. Second, China's history is way longer than Japan's. China was not in any condition to contest any arbitrary adjudications due to its own civil war right after the end of WWII, and the fact that it did not have the means to make its voice heard. China was forced to sign many unreasonable and unfair treaties giving away its territories because of invasions of conquest by Japan. And if that is not enough, the Lyukyu Islands, (pronouced Ryukyu in Japanese because the L sound does not exist), were also islands that were sort of protectorate from China. Since the Okinawans had no choice, their conquest became a De Jure status in the end.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Smithy you are right for a change,however you did point out how pointless the UN are. But this is all good entertainment, right? Anyways you could get somebody like World Heritage to call it something special, then have hundreds of visitors there. But, I thought you couldnt understand ranting, so what do you think would happen if you take Yuri's case of each man for himself, or each nation for themself attitude? Yeah well Millitary Australia has good virtue, the wealth of somewhere like Israel, but when we discuss China and Japan now we are talking family. And Australia hasnt much good at that.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Here is a very interesting website that makes a impartial analysis of the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands. Very interesting.

http://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/bitstream/10092/4085/1/thesis_fulltext.pdf

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I don't understand it. The government of this country does not have enough money to pay for save energy ,but rather risks the lives of the population with atomic waste. And on top of that some war mongers take great care to destroy the business chances of Japan with the rest of Asia. People who never experienced war, enjoy their irresponsible mindless talk. Please start to think first about the consequences before you talk!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ran out of consonants and forgot the N in "an impartial". My deepest apologies.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

My comments on WWII have to do with ALL of the people that were killed. If Hitler was stopped before there was a war just think. Start deleting deaths starting in Germany itself. 100 million plus people is a lot of deaths. Then add the physical damage and production on dependent war materials. I do not think Japan would of invaded China. If they did the full force of the Allies would be available. All this because the French, UK, USA did nothing when Hitler broke the Versailles treaty. The suffering of the people is so great. It makes me sick that all of these Americans, Chinese, Europeans, Russians, south east Asia people suffered so much because the leaders of 3 or more nations did not have the spine to take out a known threat. When he retook the Rhineland they could of taken him out.

Now China is wanting to expand and get resources for its vast population. It will not stop with the islands. Their aggression could set off the true WW III. Just handing off the islands will not bring peace. It will bring conflict and perhaps WW III will kill billions and leave a lot of the world a wasteland.

Inaction is what causes wars and appeasement. These islands were not taken by force and have been part of Okinawa for centuries. If these islands were declared taken by force than the entire Okinawa Prefecture could be declared the same and China would demand them as well.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

" I do not think Japan would of invaded China.".............................

but Japan did in 1937 ? Wait, manchuko was not considered as part of China ? So what's the excuse ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think a lot of people here are overestimating the strenght of the PLAN, while they may have numerical numbers, they do not have large amount of blue-water operational experience and training. Though they are modernizing rapidly, they are definetly not replacing their obsolete ships on a 1:1 basis and as such the vast majority of the Chinese Navy are not up to 21st Century Standards. The JSMDF on the other hand have several modern destroyers (esp. the Kongo class, based of the Arleigh Burke), Helicopter Destroyers for ASW,and the ability to call on the JASDF (since theoretically, we're talking about the Chinese attack Japan over these islands. Although any prolonged conflict/confrontation around the Senkakus Is. will probably result in the Japanese taking excessive losses due to attrition.

The REASON, we are foward deployed in Japan is it makes it much easier for us to counter Cold-War Russian (and now China) and allow a much faster response to any Korean conflict. Like USFK, we act like a tripwire. You attack one of these nations under our umbrella, you gonna be messing with us.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

ByonicAsian Jun. 13, 2012 - 03:16AM JST

The REASON, we are foward deployed in Japan is it makes it much easier for us to counter Cold-War Russian (and now China) and allow a much faster response to any Korean conflict. Like USFK, we act like a tripwire. You attack one of these nations under our umbrella, you gonna be messing with us.

Dose US need to involve every territorical dispute of Japan? It does not make sense for sheding blood and risking nuke war for Japan greed and past misadventure. Japan has territory dispute with not only China but also Russian, Taiwan, South Korea and some South East Asian nations.

For example, South Korea and Taiwan are under US security umberlla too. If South Korea or Taiwan has military conflict with Japan, will US need to mess and fight with those nations? It is very hard for US to scarfice for other nation territorical dispute. Some Ultra Japanese nationalist wanted to boot out US forces. However they will be very sweet to US forces when they are facing miltary conflict. it is a double standard of fair weather friend.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Lol...well that would be awkward. Guess we'll have USFK and USFJ fight using paintballs while the ROK army and the SDF duke it out.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

ByronicAsianJun. 13, 2012 - 01:28PM JST

Lol...well that would be awkward. Guess we'll have USFK and USFJ fight using paintballs while the ROK army and the SDF duke it out.

LOL! You means US force from Korea and US force from Japan have to play Panchiko for territory dispute. How about Taiwan and Japan? US Marines have to play Marhjong for settling the dispute too. How about Russia? Does US need to play nuke game for Japan? It is unrealistic and unthinkable.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If the Japanese government can't even put a weather station or lighthouse to make it offically offical and defend it, they should move aside for the Big Man from Tokyo to settle the islands with Edokos. Got to put a line in the ocean and defend it, otherwise China will gobble up all the islands, rocks, shoals and reefs in the Yellow Seas and reap the economic benefits. It has already started with the Philippines.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Allow me to remind all the bloggers above that all this could have been resolved if greedy Japan had returned the Ryukyu Islands to the Ryukyuans as per the Cairo Accords of 1943 "All lands taken by violence or greed shall be returned" But no, Japan had to fight for Okinawa at the meeting in San Francisco after the end of WW2.

Simple: Okinawa and China get along swimmingly and Japan and China are at each others throats - with no end in sight!

Return the Ryukyu Islands to sovereignty and you will see the bickering stop in a quick minute.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites