Why in News?
China sent Coast Guard ships on a “rights enforcement patrol” near the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands, escalating tensions after Japan’s PM said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response. Beijing demanded a retraction, amid increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan.
Description:
- Uninhabited island group in the East China Sea.
- Administered by Japan (city of Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture).
- Claimed by: China → Diaoyu Islands, Taiwan → Diaoyutai Islands.
Location:
- ~90 nautical miles north of Japan’s Yaeyama Islands.
- ~120 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan.
Island Composition:
- Major islands: Uotsuri (largest), Kuba, Taisho, Kitakojima, Minamikojima, and several small rocky outcrops.
- Total area: ~6.3 sq km.
- Largest: Uotsuri Island (~3.6 sq km).
Geology: Made of conglomerate sandstone, tuff, andesite, and lava rock. Surrounding area → highly volcanic, with associated faults.
Territorial & Strategic Significance:
- Located near key shipping lanes of the East China Sea.
- Potential oil and gas reserves.
- Close to Taiwan → central to US–Japan–China strategic triangle.
Historical Facts:
- Japan incorporated them in 1895.
- Japan claims → no prior administration by any country.
- Post-WWII, administered by the US until 1972, then returned to Japan.
What makes it a flashpoint?
- Competing exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims.
- Frequent China Coast Guard (CCG) patrols.
- US-Japan Security Treaty covers the islands → possible US involvement.
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