The territorial conflict between Japan and China
came to the international spotlight; it is no longer a tension just between the
two countries but also it is, now, a global-scale issue. However, this
collision is not just an abrupt event; it has been around for a long time
embedded in the history of both countries.
In 1895,
the Japanese government proposed a forceful treaty, to occupy the Island of
Formosa (Taiwan) and its sub-islands, to the Qing government, the old Chinese
kingdom. Japanese government occupied the islands for more than a half century
before their defeat in the Second World War. Then, Japan agreed to follow the San
Francisco Treaty, which includes the restoration of the occupied island.
The tension is on the surface again because
of the rise of the nationalism
of both countries. The claim of Island is triggered by the nationalist Prime
Minister, solidifying the territorial power by purchasing the island from the
private owner. China, in response, started anti-Japan nationalist protest.
Korea, my motherland, is suffering similar dispute
with Japan; similar historical suffering and similar reaction just like China.
And as a Korean Citizen, I am quite worried about the sudden rise of the
Nationalism of Japan which makes a huge negative tension to all of the neighboring
countries.
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