Japan Calls on China to Remove Buoy Near Disputed Islands

Image copyright: Flickr [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • Japan has called on the Chinese government to remove a buoy it claims it found floating in the waters of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Senkaku Islands, known by China as the Diaoyu Islands.

  • A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said that they "have been lodging protests in both Tokyo and Beijing since Japan’s coastguard in July found a buoy," adding that they "have demanded the immediate removal of the buoy as it is against international laws."


The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The Senkaku islands have been under the official possession of Japan for over a century, beginning with their annexation after the first Sino-Japanese War and again following World War II. Beijing is now using its economic and military power to impede this region. Japan must work with the US to prepare responses should the CCP attempt to escalate these imperialistic maneuvers.

Pro-China narrative

Just two decades ago, Tokyo was prioritizing regional stability and friendship with Beijing, but since it began partnering with the US and South Korea, it's chosen economic and military hostility instead. Japan is well aware of its cultural and economic ties to China, which is why, hopefully, it will retrace its steps and return to focusing on fostering diplomacy and stability rather than supporting the goals of the West.


Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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