This Land Is My Land

In an international conference on Asia security in Singapore, China opposed to accusations made by Japan and the United States. It drew every possible reason to assert sovereignty on disputed islands. What China was saying, in short, was “This land is my land, your land is my land, from the Senkaku to the Paracel Islands.” In terms of security in Southeast Asia, one of the most growing regions in economy, China is going to a further isolation.

In the opening remarks of Asia Security Conference, hosted by a think tank in the United Kingdom, International Institute for Security Studies, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, accused China, saying “It must become an object of criticism against China to make action to accumulate accomplished facts and solidify changes of status quo.”

For disappointment of China, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, unequivocally joined Japan’s campaign for denouncing China. “U.S. military would not abide by China’s unilateral declaration of an Air Defense Identification Zone in East China Sea, including over the Japanese-administrated Senkaku Islands,” Hagel stated. “It has restricted access to Scarborough Reef,” listed Hagel other deeds of Chinese, “put pressure on the long-standing Philippine presence at the Second Thomas Shoal, begun land reclamation activities at multiple locations, and moved an oil rig into disputed waters near the Paracel Islands.”

After deliberated consideration, delegation of China drew out their rebuttals. In a working group session, a Chinese official raised an argument criticizing Abe’s speech as “referring to ‘rule of law’ as if it is his domestic law.” “If he says ‘We will stop whaling,’ then it should be abiding by international laws,” he added.

To the argument of Hagel, Chinese delegation questioned from various aspects. “Do you recognize Japan’s nationalization of Senkaku as an unilateral change of status quo?” asked a Chinese military officer to Hagel. He also questioned U.S. attitude, telling that “Isn’t it threatening or coercion for United States to reiterate its duty on security for its allies?”

Henry Kissinger pointed out that the Chinese would think international relations in terms of go, a one-on-one playing game simulated to land occupation. Players attempt to surround its opponent’s land, while the opponent is convinced in advantage of himself. Turning over the point of discussion is usual strategy of China. However, an argument putting its unilateral action aside would not work for avoiding its isolation anyway.