The Senkaku Islands Constitute an Intrinsic Part of Japan
The Senkaku Islands Constitute an Intrinsic Part of Japan
The Senkaku Islands Constitute an Intrinsic Part of Japan
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Zhouhai Tubi<strong>an</strong> by Hu Songxi<strong>an</strong> (1556)<br />
To counter pirate activity, it would be reasonable to create a map covering as<br />
wide <strong>an</strong> area <strong>of</strong> oce<strong>an</strong> as possible to include frequently traveled waters <strong>an</strong>d ports<br />
<strong>of</strong> call. This is seen in warfare where maps <strong>of</strong> <strong>an</strong> enemy‟s territories would be<br />
made. In this case, China is insisting that the territory was designated as part <strong>of</strong> a<br />
defense zone because the enemy‟s territory appeared on the map <strong>an</strong>d now,<br />
therefore, China has sovereignty over the territory. This is a ridiculous assertion.<br />
<strong>The</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> this map is different from maps used to show political territories. In<br />
fact, Jilongsh<strong>an</strong> (Chinese: 雛籠山) appears as part <strong>of</strong> Taiw<strong>an</strong> on the map.<br />
Likewise, Jilongsh<strong>an</strong> appears in “Pr<strong>of</strong>iles <strong>of</strong> Foreign Countries” in the <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
history book <strong>of</strong> the Ming Dynasty called the History <strong>of</strong> Ming (明史). <strong>The</strong><br />
Zhouhai Tubi<strong>an</strong> indicates this is not the case. So, is China stating that the History<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ming is inaccurate?<br />
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