Senkaku Islands Issue Tests American Political Wisdom

Respect for each other’s core interests and major concerns is an important premise for ensuring smooth and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations. It is also key to the Sino-U.S. joint exploration of constructing a new type of relation between countries of great power. Under the current circumstances, it is particularly important to emphasize this point.

China has clearly expressed the hope for the United States not to intervene or do anything that might intensify the conflict and make things more complicated regarding the sovereignty dispute over the Senkaku Islands. The Senkaku Islands issue tests American political wisdom. For the United States, to act and speak cautiously is not only a necessary move for maintaining the healthy development of Sino-U.S. relations, but also an obligation for regional peace and stability.

The United States has been the leader of the Asian security layout after World War II and “the closest partner” of Japan. The origin of the Senkaku Islands dispute is associated with the Cold War layout of the United States. Faced with the significant layout transformation right now, the United States needs to strengthen its sense of reality in order to play its role well.

The Senkaku Islands are China’s inherent territory. In the aspect of defending the country’s territorial sovereignty, China never compromises nor makes unprincipled transactions with anyone. The grim situation faced by Sino-Japanese relations is entirely stirred up by Japan alone. Its core is the denial of Japan on the consensus reached by both China and Japan on the Senkaku Islands issue. Japan is not only responsible for it, but also has to bear the corresponding consequences.

In order for the United States to explore the construction of a new type of relation between countries of great power with China, it must learn to keep a level head in problems concerning China’s core interests, clearly recognize that the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty is a product of the Cold War and not harm the interests of third parties, including China. No matter who does so, anyone trying to “interfere” in the Senkaku Islands issue won’t receive any benefits; on the contrary, they will only suffer a greater loss.

Japan goes from bad to worse and keeps repeating the same mistakes. It puts on a “buying the island” farce, openly questions the international legal effect of the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation and attempts to deny the fruits of victory of the anti-fascist war. The United States should clearly understand the essence of the issue. During World War II, the United States was an important force in defeating Japan. The historic contribution of the United States is highly appraised and fully respected by people in Asian countries, including China. After the war, the United States bore the responsibility “to destroy Japanese militarism.” Today, Japan still refuses to seriously reflect on the guilt of waging an aggressive war. In this sense, the transformation of Japan into a normal country by the United States has historical burden; it even can be said to be a failure.

Asia today is completely different compared to the Cold War period. The comprehensive national strength of China has increased significantly; its international status has been significantly enhanced. They are important factors in advancing the situation in Asia toward equilibrium. The Unites States put forth the return to an Asia strategy, hoping to play a greater role in Asia, but it can only choose the role of an equal participator and a contributor to peaceful development.