Question 57 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Internatio nal Relations

Question

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea.

Strategy: - Identify key terms: 'Senkaku Islands', 'maritime disputes', 'East China Sea'.
- Recall geographical and current affairs knowledge: The Senkaku Islands are a territorial flashpoint between China and Japan.
- Eliminate factually incorrect options, such as claims of artificial structures, a US base, or an ICJ declaration involving Southeast Asian states.
- Confirm the correct statement by matching it with established facts.

Key Info: The Senkaku Islands (Chinese: Diaoyu Islands; Japanese: Senkaku Shotō) are a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. They are northeast of Taiwan and west of Okinawa, Japan.

-   **Control and Claims**: Japan controls the islands, but both China and Taiwan assert claims.
-   **Dispute Nature**: This territorial dispute is a source of ongoing tension, with both China and Japan citing historical claims dating back centuries.
-   **Strategic Importance**: The islands are strategically significant due to their proximity to key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds, and potential oil and gas reserves.
-   **Clarifications**: No country has constructed artificial islands or permanent military bases in this area, nor has the International Court of Justice declared the territory 'no man's land.'
-   **Consequences**: The dispute has led to repeated diplomatic protests, patrols, and incidents at sea, making it a critical point for maritime security concerns in the East China Sea.

Answer

Option A: It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around the South China Sea.

Answer

Option C: A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan increase its defence capabilities.

Answer

Option D: The International Court of Justice declared them no man's land, and some South-East Asian countries claim them.