The territorial dispute over islands controlled by Japan as the Senkakus but claimed by China as the Diaoyus continues with arguments rooted in historical facts. Japan asserts incorporation as terra nullius in 1895, while China's claim is said to date from the 1970s following resource discoveries.
The Senkaku Islands are controlled by Japan, while China claims them as the Diaoyu Islands. Discussions surrounding this territorial issue highlight strong historical arguments in favor of Japan.
Japan states it legally incorporated the islands as terra nullius in 1895, following prior activities by Japanese people in the area. China's claim of ownership 'since ancient times' is described as a lie, with the actual assertion dating from the 1970s after natural resources were discovered. Up to 1969, and even during the Qing Dynasty, the islands appeared on Chinese maps as Japanese territory.
Historical documents support Japan's position. The islands were not featured in the 1895 Sino-Japanese War treaty negotiations, the 1943 Cairo Declaration, or the 1952 Japan-ROC peace treaty, indicating acceptance as Japanese by all sides. Both the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco and the 1972 U.S. reversion of Okinawa included the Senkakus. The Potsdam Declaration made no mention of them and was later superseded by the San Francisco Treaty.
China is criticized for avoiding legal channels and instead engaging in harassment and encroachments. This aligns with its conduct in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and elsewhere, showing disregard for international law. Reasons include the certainty of losing in court and a general non-respect for such norms.
These historical contexts form the backdrop to public opinion polls on the ownership claims.