Years later, China released a national map for 2023, which presents a complete picture of the South China Sea, but more striking is the province of Taiwan on the right and the ten-dash line closely connected to the Ryukyu Islands. However, the question of the ownership of the Ryukyu Islands has not yet been clearly answered, and this question has a long and controversial history.
The Ryukyu Islands, once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, were a vassal state of the Ming and Qing dynasties of China, and have deep historical ties with China, and even many Ryukyuan people can trace their ancestry back to Fujian. Some people describe Ryukyu as a branch of Chinese, and as the poet Wen Yiduo said, Ryukyu is our clan brother. However, due to Japan's rise after the Meiji Restoration, and the Qing dynasty appeared weak, Japan eventually annexed the Ryukyu Islands, although suzerainty remained with China.
In the 70s of the 20th century, in order to build the first island chain strategy, the United States bypassed China and handed over the Ryukyu Islands to Japan. The decision fueled Japan's ambition to become a forward front for the United States. However, Japan later tried to seize the Senkakus, which are now under Chinese control.
During the U.S. military mandate, the inhabitants of the Ryukyu Islands were not treated well, leading to a strong dissatisfaction with Japan. During World War II, Japan used the Ryukyuan people as cannon fodder, and now in order to maintain the US military base, Japan has once again made the Ryukyuan people victims and subjected to various bullying.
In the eyes of the Japanese, the Ryukyuan people were regarded as almost inferior. Every year, there are reports of sexual assault of Ryukyu girls at bases stationed by U.S. troops in the Ryukyu Islands. Recently, Japan's decision to discharge Fukushima nuclear sewage into the sea will have a considerable impact on the Ryukyu Islands, causing strong resentment among the islanders.
However, according to the Potsdam Proclamation and the Cairo Declaration, Japan's sovereignty was limited to Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and the islands designated by the Allies, and these territories must be recognized by the four victorious powers of China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. Therefore, the Soviet occupation of the four northern islands was legal, and the sovereignty of the Ryukyu Islands did not belong to Japan, but was part of China. This fact is deeply worrying for the Japanese.
Now, China has openly questioned the ownership of the Ryukyu Islands, and Okinawa Governor Tamaki Danny has officially visited China, indicating that the interaction between the Ryukyu Islands and China will increase in the future and the relationship will become more intimate.
In the future, Ryukyu will become a pearl in the East China Sea. It has a variety of options, either independence or a return to China, provided that China is strong enough. No matter what path is chosen, for the sake of China and for the sake of Ryukyu, China will continue to grow.
First, history is a mirror from which we should learn from it. The question of the ownership of the Ryukyu Islands is rooted in historical changes, especially during the rise of Japan and World War II. For nations, the lessons of history should be a precious asset in order to avoid making similar mistakes again.
Second, geopolitical complexities need to be treated rationally. During the Cold War, the United States handed over the Ryukyu Islands to Japan for strategic reasons, however, this also brought a series of problems. Geopolitical changes often have a profound impact on the residents of the region, and it is necessary to balance the interests of all parties and maintain regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, the will of the people should be respected. The residents of the Ryukyu Islands were understandably dissatisfied and disgusted with Japan, especially the injustices suffered during the U.S. military mandate. In dealing with similar issues, States should take full account of the wishes of the local population and avoid placing them in an unfair position.
Summary:
The question of the ownership of the Ryukyu Islands is rooted in complex historical changes, which China has brought into view as it rises. The lessons of history teach us that we need to be cautious in dealing with territorial issues so as not to fall back into the quagmire of history.
The historical geopolitical background of the Ryukyu Islands has brought it into the international spotlight. In dealing with this issue, all countries should treat it rationally, balance the interests of all parties and ensure regional peace and stability.
The will of the people should be respected, especially the hardships endured by the inhabitants of the Ryukyu Islands throughout their history. Countries need to fully consider the voices of local residents when making decisions, so as to avoid making them victims of international political games again.
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