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Top 6 hotly disputed international borders of the world and why

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, apologised on Wednesday after a Chinese contract staffer referred to the disputed Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as "Chinese territory" during an international radio programme this week.&nbsp;

The Chinese national NHK staffer, who is in his 40s, made these remarks, which were not written in the news script, for about 20 seconds during a Chinese-language broadcast on Monday on the NHK World-Japan and Radio 2 channels, Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported.&nbsp;

The staff member has been working under a service contract with NHK and its affiliated organisation since 2002 and has been translating Japanese news into Chinese and reading the text on the radio.&nbsp;

His remarks came right after he read a news report about an incident where graffiti was found at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, where Japanese Class-A war criminals are enshrined.&nbsp;

The Japanese broadcaster NHK stressed that they were unaware of why he made such a remark. Moreover, they have launched a strong protest with the staffer through the affiliated organisation and the group has planned to suspend his contract.&nbsp;

The Japanese broadcaster NHK stated, "It was inappropriate that a statement unrelated to the news was broadcast, and we deeply apologise. We will thoroughly implement measures to prevent a recurrence."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-chinese-ships-enter-japans-territorial-waters-off-senkaku-islands-374121">Also read:&nbsp;Two Chinese ships enter Japan's territorial waters off Senkaku Islands</a>

The Senkaku Islands have been under the limelight since long between Japan and China. The islands are administered by Japan. China's interest in the islands began in the 1970s after studies suggested that they could sit amid potentially huge deposits of oil and natural gas.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the islands are also near to the vital sea lanes and are surrounded by rich fishing grounds.&nbsp;

The staffer's reference to the island is embarrassing for NHK, as it has traditionally voiced Japanese government positions on territorial disputes and historical issues.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Japan, China to hold talks: Dispute over Senkaku Islands on cards

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<h2>China-Japan conflict on&nbsp;Senkakus Island&nbsp;</h2>

Japan's stance on Senkakus Island is that they are "clearly an inherent part of the territory of Japan” and “there exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved” between Tokyo and Beijing.

The conflict between the two nations over the islands came to light in 2012, when the then rightwing government of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara voiced the idea of buying the islands from their private Japanese owners.&nbsp;

This led to an intervention from the central government, which bought the islands, effectively nationalising them. Following this, anti-Japanese protests were held in Beijing across other Chinese cities, and hundreds of Japanese firms temporarily shut down their businesses in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, apologised on Wednesday after a Chinese contract staffer referred to the disputed Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as "Chinese territory" during an international radio programme this week.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK, apologised on Wednesday after a Chinese contract staffer referred to the disputed Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as "Chinese territory" during an international radio programme this week. The Chinese national NHK staffer, who is in his 40s, made these remarks, which were not written in the news script, for about 20 seconds during a Chinese-language broadcast on Monday on the NHK World-Japan and Radio 2 channels, Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported. The staff member has been working under a service contract with NHK and its affiliated organisation since 2002 and has been translating Japanese news into Chinese and reading the text on the radio. His remarks came right after he read a news report about an incident where graffiti was found at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, where Japanese Class-A war criminals are enshrined. The Japanese broadcaster NHK stressed that they were unaware of why he made such a remark. Moreover, they have launched a strong protest with the staffer through the affiliated organisation and the group has planned to suspend his contract. The Japanese broadcaster NHK stated, "It was inappropriate that a statement unrelated to the news was broadcast, and we deeply apologise. We will thoroughly implement measures to prevent a recurrence." Also read: Two Chinese ships enter Japan's territorial waters off Senkaku Islands The Senkaku Islands have been under the limelight since long between Japan and China. The islands are administered by Japan. China's interest in the islands began in the 1970s after studies suggested that they could sit amid potentially huge deposits of oil and natural gas. Furthermore, the islands are also near to the vital sea lanes and are surrounded by rich fishing grounds. The staffer's reference to the island is embarrassing for NHK, as it has traditionally voiced Japanese government positions on territorial disputes and historical issues. Watch | Japan, China to hold talks: Dispute over Senkaku Islands on cards × China-Japan conflict on Senkakus Island Japan's stance on Senkakus Island is that they are "clearly an inherent part of the territory of Japan” and “there exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved” between Tokyo and Beijing. The conflict between the two nations over the islands came to light in 2012, when the then rightwing government of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara voiced the idea of buying the islands from their private Japanese owners. This led to an intervention from the central government, which bought the islands, effectively nationalising them. Following this, anti-Japanese protests were held in Beijing across other Chinese cities, and hundreds of Japanese firms temporarily shut down their businesses in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.&nbsp;

Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters.&nbsp;

As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said.&nbsp;

The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands.&nbsp;

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. &nbsp;

Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.&nbsp;

Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency.&nbsp;

The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands.&nbsp;

Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning. Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters. As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said. The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency. The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands. Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese ships enter Japan's territorial waters off Senkaku Islands 

In 1945, Japan renounced war and became a pacifist state. 75 years later, it is shifting away from pacifism. Japan is adopting what looks like a strike-first policy. What does it mean?&nbsp;

Japan's Coast Guard can fire missiles if a foreign vessel intrudes into the Senkaku islands. That's what Tokyo has announced.

What are the Senkaku islands? A disputed turf between Japan and China in the East China Sea.&nbsp;

Now, Japan will strike first to protect this turf. Pacifism is part of the Japanese Constitution and the government hasn't changed the Constitution. &nbsp;

It has just found a way around it. Japan has changed the way one law is interpreted. And the result is that the Japanese Coast Guard can strike first. Technically, Japan doesn't have an army but it maintains a self-defence force that has vowed never to use force first.&nbsp;

It's one of the most powerful forces in the world and now, it has signalled an intent to abandon pacifism as the neighbourhood is becoming unsafe thanks to one neighbour.&nbsp;

China is aggressively staking claims in the Indo-Pacific. Last year, Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese waters twice a month. Then, China enacted a new law. It allows the Chinese Coast Guard to use weapons against foreign ships. So, Japan's measure is essentially a tit-for-tat.&nbsp;

Here is why it was necessary. China is deploying vessels with lethal firepower around Japan. Hundreds of Chinese vessels entered the waters around the Senkaku islands last year.&nbsp;

Reports say Chinese vessels were spotted there for a record 333 days. For 111 days, these Chinese vessels maintained a continuous presence. So, Japan has now told its coast guard. It is free to shoot at foreign vessels and it is also getting more firepower. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This year, the Japanese military budget is expected to be around 51 billion. It has grown for nine years straight.&nbsp;

In 2020, the Japanese military performed 25 missions in defence of US ships or planes. This shows the growing defence integration between the US and Japan. These missions were in addition to the Malabar exercise hosted by India in November 2020.&nbsp;

Here Japan participated alongside the United States and Australia. These four countries make up the Quad alliance. They are steadily expanding their partnership. The Japanese prime minister spoke with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on Thursday. They discussed Chinese military aggression as well as the need for an open and free Indo Pacific.&nbsp;

Reports say Japan and Australia are now working on a mutual defence treaty. This week, France, Australia and India held a trilateral of their own. Senior officials attended this meeting. They are said to have discussed ways to expand their cooperation in the Indo Pacific.&nbsp;

It seems like doors are being opened for more allies to work with the Quad. Earlier this week, US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to his counterpart in Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

According to a statement from Washington, Blinken and Momen would like a closer collaboration to 'address challenges in South Asia and the greater Indo-Pacific region'.&nbsp;

China understands the language of strength. How India responded to the Chinese border aggression is the proof of that. Japan is deploying the same playbook. Its wants to take on the Chinese threat from a position of strength with military power and Tokyo can bank on its Quad allies and partners for support on this front.&nbsp;

In 1945, Japan renounced war and became a pacifist state. 75 years later, it is shifting away from pacifism. Japan is adopting what looks like a strike-first policy.

In 1945, Japan renounced war and became a pacifist state. 75 years later, it is shifting away from pacifism. Japan is adopting what looks like a strike-first policy. What does it mean? Japan's Coast Guard can fire missiles if a foreign vessel intrudes into the Senkaku islands. That's what Tokyo has announced. What are the Senkaku islands? A disputed turf between Japan and China in the East China Sea. Now, Japan will strike first to protect this turf. Pacifism is part of the Japanese Constitution and the government hasn't changed the Constitution. It has just found a way around it. Japan has changed the way one law is interpreted. And the result is that the Japanese Coast Guard can strike first. Technically, Japan doesn't have an army but it maintains a self-defence force that has vowed never to use force first. It's one of the most powerful forces in the world and now, it has signalled an intent to abandon pacifism as the neighbourhood is becoming unsafe thanks to one neighbour. China is aggressively staking claims in the Indo-Pacific. Last year, Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japanese waters twice a month. Then, China enacted a new law. It allows the Chinese Coast Guard to use weapons against foreign ships. So, Japan's measure is essentially a tit-for-tat. Here is why it was necessary. China is deploying vessels with lethal firepower around Japan. Hundreds of Chinese vessels entered the waters around the Senkaku islands last year. Reports say Chinese vessels were spotted there for a record 333 days. For 111 days, these Chinese vessels maintained a continuous presence. So, Japan has now told its coast guard. It is free to shoot at foreign vessels and it is also getting more firepower. This year, the Japanese military budget is expected to be around 51 billion. It has grown for nine years straight. In 2020, the Japanese military performed 25 missions in defence of US ships or planes. This shows the growing defence integration between the US and Japan. These missions were in addition to the Malabar exercise hosted by India in November 2020. Here Japan participated alongside the United States and Australia. These four countries make up the Quad alliance. They are steadily expanding their partnership. The Japanese prime minister spoke with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on Thursday. They discussed Chinese military aggression as well as the need for an open and free Indo Pacific. Reports say Japan and Australia are now working on a mutual defence treaty. This week, France, Australia and India held a trilateral of their own. Senior officials attended this meeting. They are said to have discussed ways to expand their cooperation in the Indo Pacific. It seems like doors are being opened for more allies to work with the Quad. Earlier this week, US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to his counterpart in Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen. According to a statement from Washington, Blinken and Momen would like a closer collaboration to 'address challenges in South Asia and the greater Indo-Pacific region'. China understands the language of strength. How India responded to the Chinese border aggression is the proof of that. Japan is deploying the same playbook. Its wants to take on the Chinese threat from a position of strength with military power and Tokyo can bank on its Quad allies and partners for support on this front.

Japan adopts strike-first policy to counter Chinese aggression 

On Monday, China has justified the intrusion of its coast guard vessels into Japan's territorial waters. Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands are the country's "inherent territory".

Beijing claims Senkaku Islands are China's "Inherent Territory"

USA's new Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkakau islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.&nbsp;

Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, which stipulates U.S. defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency.

The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands,

Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands.

The talks marked the first ministerial talks between Tokyo and Washington since U.S. President Joe Biden took office on Wednesday

Retired Army general Austin made history on Friday by becoming America's first Black defence secretary

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-putin-ready-for-dialogue-if-us-willing-359012">Kremlin says Putin ready for dialogue if US willing</a>

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Sunday a U.S. Navy strike group entered the South China Sea on Saturday, the same day Taiwan reported a large incursion of Chinese bombers and fighter jets into its air defence identification zone near the Pratas Islands.

(With Reuters inputs)

USA's new Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkakau islands against Chinese expansionism.

USA's new Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkakau islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, which stipulates U.S. defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency. The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands, Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands. The talks marked the first ministerial talks between Tokyo and Washington since U.S. President Joe Biden took office on Wednesday Retired Army general Austin made history on Friday by becoming America's first Black defence secretary Also Read | Kremlin says Putin ready for dialogue if US willing U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Sunday a U.S. Navy strike group entered the South China Sea on Saturday, the same day Taiwan reported a large incursion of Chinese bombers and fighter jets into its air defence identification zone near the Pratas Islands. (With Reuters inputs)

New US defense secretary assures support to Japan against China over Senkaku islands

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.&nbsp;

The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world.

Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace.

The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves?

Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade.

Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China

Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach.

In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort.

Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China.&nbsp;

In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China.

China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point.

With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict.

Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake.

Ever since the end of Second World War, Japan has adopted a determined policy of not having conflict and confrontation with any nation. People of Japan today certainly regret Japan’s participation in Second world War and consider it as a historical mistake. The defense expenditure in Japan has since been kept to a minimum and its entire focus is on scientific, technological and industrial advancement. With such proactive pursuits, Japan has achieved spectacular growth and now remains one of the most respected and admired countries in the world. Unfortunately, it appears that China would not allow Japan to live in peace. The Senkaku island dispute has been dug up by China. It claims ownership and in doing so, ends up provoking Japan. To what extent will Japan be able to resist China's moves? Apart from Japan’s commitment to the cause of peace, the problem for Japan in dealing with China is huge level of Japanese investment in China and the high volume of trade. Almost every large company in Japan has deep involvement in China. Japan cannot ignore this while tackling China Japan would certainly like to avoid friction with China but there needs to be reciprocity from China in this approach. In recent years, China has constantly given signals that it wants to dominate in every way. Though US President Donald Trump declared a trade war with China to check its aggressive plans, no country including Japan has extended active support to the US in this effort. Attracted by the large Chinese market and wary about safety of its investment in China, every nation wants to avoid confrontation with China. While President Trump has taken the bull by the horn, no one knows whether the next President of the USA, (if President Trump was to lose the election) would adopt the same policy of tough measures with China. In such a situation, Japanese government is in a spot as to how to go ahead with China. At the same time, Japan cannot surrender its sovereignty over Senkaku islands to China. China certainly knows the Japanese government’s predicament. It would certainly not mind conducting a limited war with Japan, knowing fully well that the USA and other West European countries will not go to Japan’s defense beyond a certain point. With what appears to be a reckless government in China, Japan has now entered in the QUAD alliance. However, it is still not known to what extent the QUAD alliance would help Japan in the event of military conflict. Certainly, Japan now has to take measures to defend itself against China’s aggression. It faces the most serious challenge to its policy of confrontation with none. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Will Senkaku Island dispute lead to China-Japan war?

As the tensions between China and Japan increased in the East China Sea, Liu Qingbin, an associate professor said that Beijing offered an olive branch to Tokyo by reducing its naval presence in the area but was snubbed when Japan hired fishing boats to go into the disputed waters, resulting in skirmishes between the two sides.

Your Story: Japan snubs China's olive branch on Senkaku islands

Japan snubs China's peace offer | Senkaku islands dispute

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