BEIJING--China described as invalid a recently discovered document that showed Beijing recognized the disputed Senkaku Islands as part of Ryukyu, the former name of Okinawa, decades ago.
After the Japanese media reported the contents of the diplomatic document, Beijing’s counter argument appeared on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Japan on Dec. 29.
“The Japanese side is trying to strengthen its erroneous standpoint by using unsigned reference material, an indication of Japan’s lack of confidence” it said on the website. “The Cairo Declaration, other international law materials and Japan’s diplomatic documents make it clear that Japan has never legitimately held sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands.”
In 1943, the Cairo Declaration outlined the policies of the World War II Allies toward Japan. China calls the Senkakus the Diaoyu Islands.
The document in question, titled "Draft platform on issues and arguments in the parts concerning territories in the peace with Japan," was produced by the Chinese government in May 1950.
Jiji Press reported about the document along with a photocopy of it on Dec. 27. The document refers to the disputed islands as part of Ryukyu, and does not use "Diaoyu," according to the report.
“We have ample historical and legal evidence that shows that (the islands) are an inherent Chinese territory,” Hua Chunying, deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Information Department, said at a Dec. 31 news conference.
Many major media outlets in China, except for some news websites, have been ignoring the issue about the document.
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