China’s Maritime Disputes: Key Timeline and Developments

Historical Context

• Sino-Japanese War (April 17, 1895): Marks the end of the war with China ceding Taiwan to Japan. Dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which Beijing claims were included, while Tokyo asserts separate ownership.
• Japan Invades South China Sea Islands (September 3, 1937): Japan occupies several islands amidst tensions, marking the start of Chinese invasion.
• Post-WWII U.S. Control (June 21, 1945): U.S. assumes control over Ryukyu Islands, including Senkaku/Diaoyu, leading to continuous territorial claims by China.

Post-War Treaties and Claims

• Treaty of San Francisco (September 8, 1951): Japan renounces claims to several territories but not explicitly to Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
• China Marks South China Sea Claims: Introduces the eleven-dash line, later revised to nine dashes, covering major parts of South China Sea in its territorial claims.

Cold War Era Developments

• U.S.-Japan Security Treaty (October 1, 1960): Reinforces military alliance, implicitly covering Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
• UN Report on Oil (1968-1969): Discovery of potential hydrocarbon resources in East China Sea, increasing interest and disputes.
• Okinawa Reversion Treaty (June 17, 1971): U.S. returns control of Ryukyu Islands to Japan, sparking disputes over included territories.

Diplomatic and Military Tensions

• Normalization of Japan-China Relations (September 29, 1972): Diplomatic ties restored, easing initial island disputes.
• China's Claim Over Paracel Islands (January 19, 1974): China occupies parts, heightening tensions with Vietnam.
• UNCLOS Established (December 10, 1982): Defines maritime zones, yet doesn’t resolve specific sovereignty issues.

Late 20th Century Disputes

• Mischief Reef Incident (January 1996): China-Philippines military confrontation over Spratly Islands.
• ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (November 2002): Framework for peaceful dispute resolution, not legally binding.
• China-U.S. Military Agreement (January 1998): Promotes naval communication to prevent misunderstandings.

Early 21st Century Developments

• U.S. Affirms South China Sea Interest (July 23, 2010): Stresses open access to the maritime commons, rebuking China's bilateral dispute approach.
• Scarborough Shoal Incident (April 8, 2012): Escalating tensions over fishing rights between the Philippines and China.
• Hague Tribunal Ruling (July 12, 2016): Against China’s claims in South China Sea, reinforcing Philippines’ position.

Recent Developments

• China’s Expanded Maritime Map (August 28, 2023): Updated map with a ten-dash line, sparking regional protests.
• U.S.-Japan-Philippines Summit (April 11, 2024): Reaffirms cooperation, addressing China’s aggressive maritime activities.
• Collisions Over Second Thomas Shoal (June 17, 2024): Highlighting ongoing China-Philippines tensions.

Summary

China’s maritime disputes are characterized by historical claims, strategic military actions, and evolving international diplomatic engagements. The regional and global responses to these activities continue to be shaped by geopolitical interests and alliances.