A Geographical Perspective on the Territorial Conflict in the East China Sea: The Implications for International Political Relations between China and Japan

Author

Joel Stewart, Portland State University

Sponsor

Portland State University. Department of Geography

First Advisor

Gil Latz

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography

Department

Geography

Subjects

Sea-power -- China, Sea-power -- Japan, Sea-power -- East China Sea, Boundary disputes, Geopolitics -- East Asia

DOI

10.15760/geogmaster.17

Abstract

China and Japan are engaged in a territorial dispute in the East China Sea. Sovereignty over a tiny islet, and more importantly, access to substantial hydrocarbon resources are the crux of the dispute. This territorial conflict has broad implications for both China and Japan, and involves a number of complex issues. The objective of this paper is to understand the historical, economic and political factors of this situation, as well as to uncover the elements of the solution, which are contained in the problem. A thorough investigation of the literature on the dispute reveals there is significant potential for the situation to greatly improve or drastically deteriorate. Measures taken by the governments of China and Japan often point toward cooperation, however these are frequently dislodged by an inability to compromise. There are concrete ways in which the two nations are cooperating in the East China Sea, however as of now, these have not extended to resolving the territorial dispute. The two nations must find solutions that address their mutual and distinct interests, which can only occur through compromise. Both nations must also take a more conciliatory approach to resolving the dispute for an equitable resolution to be reached.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

A research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/15858

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Joel, "A Geographical Perspective on the Territorial Conflict in the East China Sea: The Implications for International Political Relations between China and Japan" (2007). Geography Masters Research Papers. 16.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/geog_masterpapers/16
10.15760/geogmaster.17