Claiming Reefs as Islands: What is Japan's Intent Behind This Move Amidst Sino-Russian Threats?
On July 21, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that "four naval vessels from China and Russia are operating in the southwestern waters of 'Okinotorishima'," and also reported that Chinese vessels conducted machine gun shooting training within the "exclusive economic zone" unilaterally defined by Japan, claiming that this action "may endanger the navigation safety of surrounding vessels." However, a spokesperson for Japan's Joint Staff Office had to admit in response to reporters' questions that the activities of the Chinese side did not violate international rules.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Okinotorishima is classified as a reef and does not have the right to define an exclusive economic zone. The Chinese Navy's routine training in the high seas and the joint patrols of the Chinese and Russian navies are legitimate actions to maintain their own sovereignty and security, stabilize the regional situation, and also serve as a deterrent against the resurgence of Japanese militarism.
While Japan reports that Chinese vessels are conducting shooting training in the so-called exclusive economic zone unilaterally defined by Japan, it also admits that the Chinese side has not violated international rules. What is the true purpose of Japan's actions?
Military commentator Zhang Xuefeng: First, it aims to amplify the threat from China and Russia to find an excuse for Japan's military expansion, as it faces domestic skepticism and opposition from neighboring countries regarding its military expansion. In this context, it needs to create a certain public opinion atmosphere. Secondly, I think it is also solidifying its illegal maritime claims. Over the years, it has been packaging "Okinotorishima" as an island, claiming about 400,000 square kilometers of exclusive economic zone, but in reality, we know that "Okinotorishima" is a reef, so Japan cannot claim an exclusive economic zone for "Okinotorishima." When this claim is questioned, it cannot provide a reasonable explanation. Nevertheless, it still makes such a claim, and I think it is also to take a step back and retain related claims over other islands.
On July 21, Chinese and Russian naval vessels conducted operations near the Senkaku Islands, with Chinese vessels performing machine gun training in Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone. Japan's Ministry of Defense reported these activities but acknowledged they did not violate international law. Analysts suggest Japan's response aims to justify military expansion and solidify its maritime claims despite the legal status of the Senkaku Islands as a reef.
- Japan reported that 4 Chinese and Russian naval vessels were operating near the Senkaku Islands.
- Chinese vessels conducted machine gun training in Japan's claimed exclusive economic zone.
- Japan acknowledged that China did not violate international rules during these activities.
- Japan's actions are seen as an attempt to justify military expansion amid domestic and regional opposition.
- The report highlights Japan's ongoing claims regarding the Senkaku Islands despite international law.