Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news ?
A
It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
B
China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
Correct answer
C
A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
D
Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man's land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.
Explanation
Option (b) is correct because the Senkaku Islands are a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea administered by Japan but claimed by China (as Diaoyu) and Taiwan, leading to persistent maritime friction. Option (a) is the most tempting distractor but is incorrect as it describes artificial island construction in the South China Sea (such as the Spratly Islands), whereas the Senkakus are natural features located in the East China Sea. The core concept being tested is the identification of major geopolitical territorial disputes and maritime geography within the Indo-Pacific region.
International RelationsTerritorial disputes (East China Sea)Senkaku IslandsDiaoyu IslandsEast China SeaChinaJapanmaritime disputesSouth China SeaTaiwan