The Similarities and Differences Between Tensions Over the Senkaku Islands and Dokdo Island

Abstract

In this chapter, in gaining an understanding of the reality of the intensified dispute between China and Japan over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands, its similarities and differences with the continuing dispute between Japan and South Korea over Dokdo Island (Takeshima Island in Japanese) will be considered. While analyzing the development of the dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, we will compare it with the Dokdo Island problem in terms of the following three points. First is the point of the positioning of the Senkaku Islands and the Dokdo (Takeshima) Island problems as historical problems. Second is that the lesson learnt from the further intensification of the dispute between Japan and China following Japan’s nationalization of the Senkaku Islands is that it is necessary for the country with effective control to show restraint in strengthening its effective control. The third is that in connection with the arbitration of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for both problems, the judicial doctrine of the occupation of terra nullius does not have much efficacy as logic within current international law.

This chapter was written while referring to Lee, M.-C. (2012). China-Japan conflict surrounding the Senkaku Islands and Japan’s Response. In M.-C. Lee et al. (Eds.), Territorial Issues in East Asia and Dokdo (pp. 75–128). Seoul: Northeast Asia History Foundation.