Why in News?
- China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” inside waters of the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu by China).
- Move came days after Japan PM Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response by Japan, escalating tensions.
- China condemned the statement and has stepped up maritime and aerial activities near both Japan and Taiwan.
Relevance
GS 2 – International Relations
- China–Japan maritime dispute; US–Japan security treaty (Article 5).
- Taiwan crisis spillover; Indo-Pacific power shifts.
- Grey-zone warfare, Coast Guard militarisation.
GS 3 – Security
- Maritime security, freedom of navigation, SLOC vulnerability.
- Implications for India: Indo-Pacific strategy, QUAD cooperation.
Where Are the Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands?
- Located in the East China Sea, northeast of Taiwan and southwest of Okinawa.
- Uninhabited but strategically critical for geopolitics and maritime control.
- Administered by Japan, but claimed by China and Taiwan.
- Located near rich fishing grounds, potential hydrocarbon deposits, and critical shipping lanes.
Territorial Claims
- Japan (Senkaku):
- Claims sovereignty since 1895; incorporated the islands as terra nullius.
- Administers them since 1972 (post-US handover).
- China (Diaoyu):
- Claims historical control dating back to Ming dynasty.
- Argues Japan seized them during imperial expansion.
- Taiwan (Tiaoyutai):
- Aligns largely with China’s historical claim.
Why Senkaku Matters Strategically ?
- Geopolitical Hotspot: Japan-China territorial standoff; US–Japan alliance involved.
- First Island Chain: Key to China’s strategy to break US-led maritime dominance.
- Buffer for Okinawa: Just 170 km from Okinawa, home to major US military bases.
- Proximity to Taiwan: Close enough to matter in any Taiwan-related conflict.
- Control of SLOCs: Dominance enables influence over East Asian supply routes.
Latest Developments: China’s “Rights Enforcement Patrol”
- CCG vessel 1307 sailed inside territorial waters of Senkaku.
- China called it a “lawful mission to defend national sovereignty”.
- Follows a pattern: China regularly uses CCG (not PLA Navy) for grey-zone coercion, avoiding open conflict but asserting presence.
- Japan often shadows these ships using its Coast Guard.
Why China Is Increasing Pressure Now ?
- Retaliation against Japan PM’s Taiwan remarks:
- Japan stated it may respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan → major shift from post-war pacifism.
- China demands retraction, accuses Japan of violating “One China principle”.
- Taiwan-related escalation:
- Over 30 PLA aircraft and seven naval vessels detected around Taiwan on the same day.
- China conducted “joint combat patrols”, signalling capability for multi-front pressure.
- Testing Japan–US alliance resolve:
- China probes how far the US will back Japan under the US-Japan Security Treaty (Article 5), which explicitly covers Senkaku.
Japan’s Response and Strategic Concerns
- Japan views incursions as violations of sovereignty.
- Strengthening Coast Guard and Self-Defense Forces in the Ryukyu and Okinawa regions.
- Increasing interoperability with the US for East China Sea contingencies.
- Taiwan scenario now central to Japan’s defence strategy (2022 NSS).
US Position
- The US recognises Japanese administration but not sovereignty.
- However, Senkaku falls under Article 5 of the US-Japan treaty, meaning the US would defend Japan if attacked.
- This elevates any Senkaku incident to a potential US-China flashpoint.
Broader East Asian Security Implications
- Intensifies Japan–China rivalry.
- Increases risks of miscalculation in crowded maritime zones.
- Pushes Japan to further militarise → shift away from its post-war pacifist doctrine.
- Strengthens trilateral security alignment: US–Japan–Taiwan (de facto).
- Encourages China’s use of paramilitary maritime forces (coast guard, militia) for incremental territorial assertion.
Implications for India
- Validates India’s concerns about Chinese expansionist behaviour in Ladakh and Indian Ocean.
- Reinforces India–Japan strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
- Provides rationale for stronger Quad cooperation on maritime domain awareness and rule-based order.
