China and Japan are in a standoff over a series of islands that sit between the two nations. There has been peace between these two nations since WWII.
What are the issues here? In what ways is Japan at a disadvantage? Why would China choose this moment in history to assert sovereignty over a bunch of worthless rocks that were never a big deal before?
More here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-14/chinese-and-japanese-ships-in-tense-stand-off/4262942
This is my weekly post.
ReplyDeleteAs stated in the article, the islands are close to oil reserves and in our society, oil equals money. There are even conspiracies that the “war against terror” in Iraq is not fully related to the anti-terrorism plan, but rather, it’s over oil. 1 Iraq is rich in oil, and many believe the motive behind the war was to “improve Western access to Iraqi oil.”
It is, however, evident that China and Japan’s battle for sovereignty is not only for the jurisdiction over the islands, rather jurisdiction over the oil reserves. As also stated, both nations have elections nearing, and for the current political leader to be in office when the islands have been won would receive tremendous brownie points for, in China’s case, protecting their money (oil), and in Japan’s case, obtaining money (oil); failure to claim the islands may result in failure to win the election. Japan is however at a disadvantage because China already has the jurisdiction over these islands, so really, what right does Japan have to barge in and claim ownership at this point in time? A stranger could not break into someone’s house claiming ownership over the sleek flat screen TV perched on the living room wall without there being critical consequences from the law.
Money and politics are the key motivation for victory and I don’t believe this conflict will end any time soon. Every nation on this planet has a desire for oil as oil is the top money-maker in the world and having oil in your country deems you a very powerful and wealthy nation; every nation’s ultimate goal.
1. http://www.thedebate.org/thedebate/iraq.asp
I strongly agree with Ren especially the fact that since China already has jurisdiction over the islands it is a disadvantage for Japan. I also like the analogy Ren made about how a stranger couldn't break into someone's house and claim ownership of an item inside, because it is basically what it actually seems to be on a larger scale.
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ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUiB8kCNuQw&feature=player_embedded
ReplyDeleteHere is the link for the video of the Chinese nationalists overturning Japanese cars.
Oh and swizzleG is T.S
DeleteThis is my weekly post.
ReplyDeleteThere are many issues that come to mind when I think about this issue. For one a few of Japan’s nationalists are trying to assert themselves boldly since China and South Korea’s economic rise.(1) Also china is trying to expand their territorial regions, expanding into 40 islands in a vast area around the Philippines, and Vietnam (1) There have been many conflicts between China and Japan, with some ending up with China starving Japan of their rare earth needed for electronics industries.(1) There is a ton of history behind these little islands with Japan ruling them between 1910- 1945. While China say it was theres until 1895 after the Sino-Japanese War.(2)
Even though there is a lot of history with these little islands theres much more then just that. This is why China is wanting these islands back. There is potential for vast amounts of oil and natural gas deposits.(2) These deposits could potentially provide and sustain a big need for energy sources.(2) I think China realized this awhile ago and thats why they are taking over little islands in places that won't put up a fight. In this case Japan won’t back down and is putting up a fight for what they want. That is why we are seeing more publicity with these two islands. With the history with these two countries and the hatred between their people, there have been many riots. As you can see in the video posted below. Those are Chinese nationalists overturning Japanese cars and basically shouting give us back our islands.(2)
Japan is not only at a population disadvantage, but also Japan is a pacifist country, but if their going to fight for the islands they are going to have to stand up for themselves. (1) A big disadvantage is that China already has ownership.(1)(2)
1) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/22/world/asia/dispute-over-islands-reflect-japanese-fear-of-chinas-rise.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&_moc.semityn.www
2) http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/120820/japan-china-taiwan-senkaku-islands-territory-dispute?page=0,0