Why Did Japan Spend Millions on Two Rocks in the Ocean?

at first glance Japan in the Philippine Sea It may seem puzzling that he would spend so much money to preserve two rocks in a place where there is almost nothing. However, the story of these two rocks, Okinotorishima, until the 16th century stretches out.

So what is the story of these two mysterious rocks? Let’s say it now, from a simple geopolitical struggle It includes much more.

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) concept, defined by the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982, has skyrocketed the value of places like Okinotorishima.

Japan’s claim to sovereignty over Okinotorishima is not only a matter of national pride but also rich fishing grounds, rare metals and potential oil reserves It means access.

These rocks are considered as an island around Japan. An area of ​​248,643 square km This means that it can claim it as its own exclusive economic zone.

However, some countries, such as China, object to these rocks being considered “islands” because Japan’s on strategic sea areas It gives you more control.

Okinotorishima’s strategic location lies somewhere between Taiwan and Guam.

Especially US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region Considering this, it is of great importance for Japan. Japan has built steel breakwaters and concrete walls to protect the rocks from erosion and thus preserve its island status. claim trying to strengthen it.

1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seamakes a clear distinction between islands and reefs, stating that islands can have exclusive economic zones and continental shelves, but reefs cannot.

So Japan’s efforts to preserve Okinotorishima as an island, in international law It can be seen as an attempt to fill the gap.

What if we say that there are other reasons behind China’s opposition?

In addition to China wanting to have a monopoly on fake islands, if the US Military troops to Taiwan China can respond to the USA with submarines if it wants to send

But to do this mapping the ocean floor and they need research to create this map. Of course, it should not be forgotten that they cannot conduct these researches in Japan’s Ministry of Education.

So, is Okinotorishima an island or not? It’s a bit shady.

Reply Most likely not. We have previously stated that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea clearly distinguishes this line. However, Japan still does not stop spending money because it believes it can get island status.

These rocks do not really support human settlement or economic life They can’t sustain it on their own because, you know, they’re just rocks. However, this is Japan’s attempt to convince people otherwise. spending incredible amounts of money He couldn’t prevent it.

In 1987, rocks were placed around them to protect them from erosion. steel breakwaters and concrete walls They started to build.

In 1988, the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, which is not actually on the rocks but located nearby, and finally, although the UN convention clearly states that man-made islands are not counted. an artificial third rock they built.

For now, no one is talking about Japan on this issue. like you can’t stop it stands. We will be waiting for your thoughts on this subject in the comments.

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