Uninhabited set of islands consisting of five islands and three rocks

Officially claimed by Japan

Territorial claims of PRC and ROC

Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands were adopted by the Chinese Imperial Map of the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)

the archipelago has been controlled by Japan since 1895 (after the Sino-Japanese War – Treaty of Shimonoseki)

1945 to 1972 period of administration by the US (San Francisco Peace Treaty)

China （ PRC ） has asserted its claims to the islands since 1971

China/Japan/ USA/Taiwan

Historically administered by the province of Taiwan in China

Should have been returned in the Treaty of San Francisco

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “The issue should be shelved for future settlement and that the two sides should try to prevent it from becoming 'a disturbing factor' in bilateral ties.”

Terra Nullius status of the islands The May 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki

and 1951 Treaty of San Francisco The occupying power of the US

between 1945 and 1972 Late claim of ownership of the islands

in 1971 Problem of Taiwan’s sovereignity

Treaty of San Francisco and 1960s’ Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security – security treaty with Japan

China – biggest trading partner and economic power

Prefers neutral position

2008: Taiwan authorities have since then earmarked 2.4 billion new Taiwan dollars (US$807 million) to strengthen its Coast Guard force

President Ma: keep the peace

Protests of 2012:http://youtu.be/gGDk9rqFEtg?t=1m53s

Historically, states have been wary of changing power relations between themselves. Japan is currently experiencing increasing unease due to the steady rise of China and the modernisation of its 3 million strong army.

On the dispute:Consequently, to alter the balance in its favour, Japan is being hard-pressed to enlarge its conventional forces and to add nuclear forces if necessary, to protect its interests and maintain a relative power parity with China.

“Huge Japanese wargames beginning next week that are aimed at boosting Japan's ability to protect remote islands. Destroyers, fighter jets and 34,000 troops are to take part in the exercise. The air-sea-land drill from November 1-18 will involve amphibious landings on the uninhabited atoll of Okidaitojima, 400 kilometres southeast of the main Okinawan island.”

Published Thursday on South China Morning Post