The Great Game Changer: Belt and Road Intiative (BRI; OBOR)

[Keel]

​

• The Senkaku Islands were not included in the territory which Japan renounced under Article 2 of the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1951 that legally defined the territory of Japan after World War II. Under Article 3 of the treaty, the islands were placed under the administration of the United States as part of the Nansei Shoto Islands. The Senkaku Islands are included in the areas whose administrative rights were reverted to Japan in accordance with the Agreement between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands that entered into force in 1972.

• The Senkaku Islands have historically and consistently been part of the Nansei Shoto Islands which have been part of the territory of Japan. From 1885, surveys of the Senkaku Islands had been thoroughly conducted by the Government of Japan through the agencies of Okinawa Prefecture and through other means. Through these surveys, it was confirmed that the Senkaku Islands had been not only uninhabited but also showed no trace of having been under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China. Based on this confirmation, the Government of Japan made a Cabinet Decision on January 14, 1895, to erect markers on the islands to formally incorporate the Senkaku Islands into the territory of Japan. These measures were carried out in accordance with the internationally accepted means of duly acquiring territorial sovereignty under international law (occupation of terra nullius). The Senkaku Islands are not part of Formosa (Taiwan) and the Pescadores Islands that were ceded to Japan from the Qing Dynasty in accordance with Article II of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, concluded in April 1895.

• Although the Treaty of Shimonoseki does not clearly define the geographical limits of the island of Formosa and the islands appertaining or belonging to Formosa ceded to Japan by the Qing Dynasty of China, nothing in the negotiation history (or otherwise) supports the interpretation that the Senkaku Islands are included in the island of Formosa and the islands appertaining or belonging to it in Article 2b of the Treaty.

• Furthermore, Japan had already undertaken preparation, from 1885, even before the Sino-Japanese War, to formally incorporate the Senkaku Islands into the territory of Japan while carefully ascertaining that no state including the Qing Dynasty of China had control over the Islands. Following the Cabinet Decision in January 1895, which was made before the concluding of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Government of Japan incorporated the Senkaku Islands into Okinawa Prefecture and consistently treated the Islands as part of Okinawa Prefecture, not as an area under the jurisdiction of the Governor-General of Taiwan which was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
  • These facts make it clear that, both before and after the Sino-Japanese War, the Government of Japan has never regarded or treated the Senkaku Islands as part of the island of Taiwan or islands appertaining or belonging to the island of Taiwan, which had been part of the Qing Dynasty of China. Thus, it is evident that the Senkaku Islands could never have been part of the cession made under the Treaty of Shimonoseki.
  • Moreover, it was recognized in the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty of 1952 that Japan renounced all right, title and claim to Taiwan, the Pescadores and other islands under Article 2 of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. Against the above background, however, there was absolutely no discussion on territorial sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the process of negotiations for the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty. What this means is that it was considered as the rightful premise that the Senkaku Islands were the territory of Japan from before that time.

Reference:

Retrieved from: Senkaku Islands Q&A ｜ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Both Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Declaration should carry a lot more legitimate weight than SF Peace Treaty and other documents that you have mentioned because the later lot does not have our signature on them while the former have all the parties signatures on them after Japan surrendered in WW2.

 

[Kyle Sun]

Japan is no threat to Russia... Russia will say one thing and do another thing. Good example is Ukraine...

The only country that needs to be contained on their eastern flank is China. Japan and Russia will take care of that if needed.

Japan is a sane country and wants back what is theirs. Russia understands this.

You forget the The Kuril Islands , you stupid cock.

Putin knows how to play politics, my friend:

Putin knows how to play politics,Abe also.But Japan will be forced to do something Putin does not like.

 

[TaiShang]

Sino-Russian cooperation calls for balancing interests
By Cui Heng

Premier Li Keqiang attends a welcoming ceremony as he arrives in Moscow on Sunday for a three-day visit. [zhang duo/Xinhua]


Premier Li Keqiang's latest visit to Moscow represents his first Russia trip as the top Chinese government leader. The trip has received much international attention in part because any high-level encounter between the two countries amid the EU sanctions against Moscow is worthy of notice. Li's Russia tour, arranged between his visits to Germany and Italy, reflects China's diplomatic consideration.

The Ukrainian political crisis, which started in March of this year, was seen as a geopolitical clash between Russia and Europe, similar to other periodical clashes in recent decades. But a reflection on the crisis would suggest that it has changed our era. "A new international order parallel to the current one will emerge," Zhang Xin, a scholar at East China Normal University noted.

Some Western countries, headed by the United States, frequently threaten economic sanctions against Russia to achieve their political goals, only to find the Kremlin composed at countering every single Western threat. As Russia's "de-dolarization" continues, the country is resorting to different international reserve currencies and a different payment system. Russia is also seeking new trade partners and trying to establish new free trade zones to minimize the negative impact, if any, from traditional partners such as the United States and the European Union.

The decision to schedule Premier Li's Russia visit between his trips to Germany and Italy was risky, because tensions between the EU and Russia had already made the elite in Berlin and Rome nervous. Any comments on the tension could stir up resentment either from Russia or the European Union.

In response to the tense Russia-EU relationship, most state leaders would try to avoid meeting both sides at the same time, but the Chinese premier's purposefully planned trip is evidence of China's successful diplomacy, particularly under the "new type of relationship among major powers." In the "new type of relationship," China-Russia and China-EU cooperation does not go against a third party, meaning that there is no need to choose sides.

The holding of the 19th China-Russia Prime Minister Meeting is a clear sign that the mechanism is in its maturity. Apart from the regular bilateral meetings between top government leaders, mechanisms at lower levels, such as talks on energy and investment cooperation, are also being held.

These meeting mechanisms are different from those between state leaders in that inter-governmental cooperation is fundamentally aimed at boosting economic and humanitarian ties. It means that while travelling between the European Union and Russia, one has to uphold a neutral stance on sensitive issues, or completely avoid touching upon them. The Li's visit has been hailed as "fruitful," and Moscow was not forced to take sides.

Of all the 38 deals signed, building the Beijing-Moscow Eurasian High-speed Transport Corridor, and in particular the Moscow-Kazan High-speed Railway project, carries the most significant strategic implications.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building the new Silk Road Economic Belt, a strategic concept that many interpreted as "overlapping" with Putin's "Eurasian alliance." The Western media have kept a close eye on such "overlaps" because both strategies are seeking greater influence in the heartland of Eurasia, where collisions may occur. But in the latest meeting between Putin and Xi held earlier this year, the two leaders removed lingering doubts and obstacles regarding such overlaps, marking what is known as the "strategic docking" in Sino-Russian ties.

The Beijing-Moscow High-Speed Transport Corridor will be instrumental in building trade and infrastructure across both continents. Although one may question the economic necessity of building such a high-speed railway, Moscow's plan to develop the Siberia in the far east of the country and Beijing's ambition to revitalize its western and northeastern provinces will highly likely make the project a true requirement.

To make that happen, cementing the Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway is a practical move. Russia only operates one truly high-speed rail - the one that links Moscow and St. Petersburg, which entirely relies on Germany for its technology and equipment. But given the disputes between Russia and the EU over Ukraine, such cooperation is not sustainable, creating an opportunity for China's railway technology. What's more, such a market is also beneficial for China's high-speed railways.

In addition, Russia needs to upgrade its sports facilities to accommodate the 2018 FIFA World Cup, since most of its stadiums have become obsolete. The large demand for infrastructure will create more opportunities for emerging economies, given Moscow's tense relations with the Western countries. Therefore, if China can transform Sino-Russian economic cooperation so that it is led by investment instead of trade, the foundation of bilateral ties can be consolidated further.

The state-run Russian Railways is one of the largest enterprises in Russia, and enjoys a strong influence in the Russian government. Its president, Vladimir Ivanovich Yakunin, also a government figure, has direct influence over Putin.

Russian Railways once frowned upon the Eastern China-Russian Oil Pipeline, and caused troubles for China using its influence in the Russian parliament. This example shows the significance of the power structure in the Russian society and the importance of balancing the interests of all parties in Sino-Russian cooperation.

The writer is a Ph.D. student at the Russia Study Centre of East China Normal University.

The article was first published in Chinese and translated by Chen Boyuan.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

 

[Beidou2020]

Western companies are losing marketshare to Chinese companies big time

 

[LowPost]

Its sobering to come across Chinese members here that hold that view. I value you and another member @Tang Yi . To peace between our two brother countries. For two thousand years Japan had developed with China. Here is to two thousand more years !

Once again, I'm not a warmonger, but bear in mind I am a patriot also. To tell you the truth, this is why I am disgusted by all these anti-Chinese bigots out there. I'm glad you're not one of them, though.

 

[atatwolf]

Japan is reliable partner. China not. That is why Turkey didn't go for Chinese air defence development. Cheating, lying, stealing tech and what not. Russia has the same prblem. Their stuff god also ripped of by Chinese industry.

Russia's policy on eastern flank:

Short term gains: use China

On long term gains: throw China in front of the bus and go with Japan.

 

[Kolaps]

Japan is no threat to Russia... Russia will say one thing and do another thing. Good example is Ukraine...

The only country that needs to be contained on their eastern flank is China. Japan and Russia will take care of that if needed.

Japan is a sane country and wants back what is theirs. Russia understands this.

You say that because Turkey is NATO member.

But everyone know that Turkey = ISIS.

 

[Beidou2020]

Japan is reliable partner. China not. That is why Turkey didn't go for Chinese air defence development. Cheating, lying, stealing tech and what not. Russia has the same prblem. Their stuff god also ripped of by Chinese industry.

Russia's policy on eastern flank:

Short term gains: use China

On long term gains: throw China in front of the bus and go with Japan.

Turkey is a Wahabi terrorist organisation pretending to be a country.

 

[cnleio]

Japan is reliable partner. China not. That is why Turkey didn't go for Chinese air defence development. Cheating, lying, stealing tech and what not. Russia has the same prblem. Their stuff god also ripped of by Chinese industry.

Russia's policy on eastern flank:

Short term gains: use China

On long term gains: throw China in front of the bus and go with Japan.

Once Ukraine Crisis not end and the West sanctions to Russia, Russian had no any choice just stand with China as the ally, Japan can't not replace China coz their government's "Under U.S pressure"... LOL What a NORMAL policy system ! a Reliable government to Russia ?

Just remind u there's also Japan-Russia North islands dispute, Japan sanction and Japan policy issue to WWII.

The West push Russia with China side, not China force them. Ur idea so simple & naive, do u hear some word called "Geopolitics" ?!

Chinese, Russian FMs talk over Volgograd blasts, Abe's shrine visit
I just read 2014 Abe did this again, how the Russian & Korean think ?

 

[LowPost]

Once Ukraine Crisis not end and the West sanctions to Russia, Russian had no any choice just stand with China as the ally, Japan can't not replace China coz their government's "Under U.S pressure"... LOL What a NORMAL policy system ! a Reliable government to Russia ?

Assuming Russia and the West (+Japan) are strategic allies with one primary aim in mind, that is containing China, then the bear must've let down his comrade eagle big time. Well, the differences arising thereby won't be reconciled any time soon, that's for sure.

 

[daring dude]

China and Russia are considering building a high-speed rail line thousands of kilometres from Moscow to Beijing that would cut the journey time from six days on the celebrated Trans-Siberian to two, Chinese media reported Friday.

The project would cost more than $230 billion and be over 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles) long, the Beijing Times reported -- more than three times the world's current longest high-speed line, from the Chinese capital to the southern city of Guangzhou.

The railway would be a powerful physical symbol of the ties that bind Moscow and Beijing, whose political relationship has roots dating from the Soviet era and who often vote together on the UN Security Council.

They have strengthened their relationship as Western criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin mounts over Ukraine and other issues.

The two signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this week during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Moscow in which Beijing expressed interest in building a fast rail link between the Russian capital and Kazan in the oil-rich Tatarstan region, state broadcaster China Central Television reported.

The 803-kilometre line would be the first stage of the route to Beijing, CCTV said.

At present, trains between the two run along the Trans-Siberian railway that links Moscow and Vladivostok, before switching to a branch line heading south through the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator.

Direct passenger trains between Beijing and Moscow went into operation in 1954 and there are still two services per week, CCTV said.

The new link would cut the train travel time from six days at present to under two days, the Beijing Times quoted Wang Mengshu, a tunnel and railway expert at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as saying.

"If the funds are raised smoothly... the line can be completed in five years at the quickest," he added.

The paper cited a research report that put the cost of one kilometre of Chinese-built fast rail at $33 million.

The country has the world's largest high-speed rail network, built from scratch in less than a decade, relying on technology transfer from foreign companies, including France's Alstom, Germany's Siemens and Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Its reputation was tarnished after a bullet train collision in July 2011 near the eastern city of Wenzhou that killed at least 40 people and injured hundreds.

But China is now keen to promote the export of its technology, and has been building high-speed rail networks in Turkey and Venezuela.

 

[senheiser]

Russia And China Want To Build The Longest High-Speed Railway In The World To Connect Them

• OCT. 17, 2014, 8:42 AM
• 14,359
  

REUTERS/Carlos BarriaRussia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping review an honour guard contingent during a welcoming ceremony at the Xijiao State Guesthouse ahead of the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit, in Shanghai May 20, 2014.

China and Russia are considering building a high-speed rail line thousands of kilometres from Moscow to Beijing that would cut the journey time from six days on the celebrated Trans-Siberian to two, Chinese media reported Friday.

The project would cost more than $230 billion and be over 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles) long, the Beijing Times reported -- more than three times the world's current longest high-speed line, from the Chinese capital to the southern city of Guangzhou.

The railway would be a powerful physical symbol of the ties that bind Moscow and Beijing, whose political relationship has roots dating from the Soviet era and who often vote together on the UN Security Council.

They have strengthened their relationship as Western criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin mounts over Ukraine and other issues.

Trans Siberian ExperienceThe new bullet train would run alongside current trains but will cut the travel time by 6 days.

The two signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this week during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Moscow in which Beijing expressed interest in building a fast rail link between the Russian capital and Kazan in the oil-rich Tatarstan region, state broadcaster China Central Television reported.

The 803-kilometre line would be the first stage of the route to Beijing, CCTV said.

At present, trains between the two run along the Trans-Siberian railway that links Moscow and Vladivostok, before switching to a branch line heading south through the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator.

Direct passenger trains between Beijing and Moscow went into operation in 1954 and there are still two services per week, CCTV said.

The new link would cut the train travel time from six days at present to under two days, the Beijing Times quoted Wang Mengshu, a tunnel and railway expert at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as saying.

"If the funds are raised smoothly... the line can be completed in five years at the quickest," he added.

The paper cited a research report that put the cost of one kilometre of Chinese-built fast rail at $33 million.

The country has the world's largest high-speed rail network, built from scratch in less than a decade, relying on technology transfer from foreign companies, including France's Alstom, Germany's Siemens and Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Its reputation was tarnished after a bullet train collision in July 2011 near the eastern city of Wenzhou that killed at least 40 people and injured hundreds.

But China is now keen to promote the export of its technology, and has been building high-speed rail networks in Turkey and Venezuela.



Read more: Russia And China Want To Build The Longest Railway - Business Insider

@vostok @Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @TaiShang @Nihonjin1051 @Beidou2020

 

[Aepsilons]

Good for China and Russia.

 

[senheiser]

Good for China and Russia.

good for eurasia

 

[Aepsilons]

good for eurasia

That, too.