This is a classic 'Places in News' question. It is highly fair because the Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute is a primary flashpoint in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. The question tests your ability to distinguish between the South China Sea (artificial islands, ASEAN claimants) and the East China Sea (Japan-China conflict).
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Are the Senkaku Islands artificial (man-made) islands created by a country?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Through these surveys, it was confirmed that the Senkaku Islands had been uninhabited and 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 14 January 1895 to erect a marker on the Islands to formally incorporate the Senkaku Islands into the territory of"
Why this source?
- Describes government surveys that examined the islands as existing geographic features.
- States the islands were "uninhabited" and incorporated by Japan in 1895, implying they pre‑existed human construction.
"A resident of Okinawa Prefecture who had been engaging in activities such as fishery around the Senkaku Islands since around 1884 made an application for the lease of the islands, and approval was granted by the Meiji Government in 1896. After this approval, he sent workers to those islands and ran the following businesses:"
Why this source?
- Reports human economic activity around the islands dating to about 1884 and a formal lease approval in 1896.
- Describes sending workers and running businesses on the islands, indicating they were natural landmasses used long before modern land‑reclamation projects.
"as the Senkaku Islands began to draw attention following an academic survey in the fall of 1968 which indicated the possibility of the existence of petroleum resources in the East China Sea,"
Why this source?
- References a 1968 academic survey that identified possible petroleum resources in the East China Sea near the islands.
- Indicates geological/natural resource interest, supporting that the islands are natural features rather than recently constructed.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Island Arcs > p. 111
Strength: 5/5
“Constant volcanism above the subduction zone creates layers of rocks. As this process continues for millions of years, a volcanic landform is created which in some cases rises above the ocean waters. Such volcanic landforms all along the boundary form a chain of volcanic islands which are collectively called Island Arcs (Indonesian Island Arc or Indonesian Archipelago, Philippine Island Arc, Japanese Island Arc, etc.).• Orogenesis (mountain building) sets in motion the process of building continental crust by replacing the oceanic crust (this happens at a much later stage). For example, new islands are born around Japan every few years. After a few million years, Japan will be a single landmass because continental crust formation is constantly replacing the oceanic crust).”
Why relevant
Describes island arcs and explicitly names the Japanese Island Arc where new islands are born by volcanic processes.
How to extend
A student could locate the Senkaku Islands relative to the Japanese Island Arc on a map; if they lie in that arc, natural volcanic/tectonic origin is more likely than artificial construction.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Gontinental islands > p. 97
Strength: 4/5
“Some of the outstanding examples are Newfoundland, separated from the mainland by the Fig. 1 1 .1 Continental island Strait of Belle Isle; Malagasy, by the Mozambique Channel; Sri Lanka by the Palk Strait; Tasmania by the Bass Strait and Taiwan by the Formosa Strait. 2. Archipelagos or island groups. These comprise groups of islands of varying sizes and shapes, e.g. the British Isles, the Balearic. Islands of the Mediterranean and also those of the Aegean Sea. 3. Festoons or islgnd arcs. The islands form an archipelago in the shape of a loop around the edge of the mainland, marking the continuation of mountain ranges which can be traced on the continent, e.g. the East Indies, the Aleutian Islands, Ryukyu Islands, Kurile Islands and other island arcs of the Pacific coasts.”
Why relevant
Defines island arcs/archipelagos and lists the Ryukyu Islands among island arcs of the Pacific coasts.
How to extend
If the Senkaku Islands are near or part of the Ryukyu island arc, one could infer they follow the natural island-arc formation pattern rather than being man-made.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 11: Volcanism > The West Indian Islands > p. 156
Strength: 4/5
“• The Lesser Antilles (Part of the West Indies Islands) are made up mainly of volcanic islands, and some of them still bear signs of volcanic liveliness.”
Why relevant
Gives the general rule that many island groups (e.g., Lesser Antilles) are volcanic in origin and may show ongoing volcanic activity.
How to extend
Compare geological descriptions (volcanic vs constructed) of the Senkaku group; presence of volcanic landforms would point to natural origin.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 12: Hotspot Volcanism > Reunion Hotspot > p. 165
Strength: 4/5
“The Laccadive Islands, the Maldives, and the Chagos Archipelago are atolls resting on former volcanoes created 60-45 million years ago that subsequently submerged below sea level.• About 45 million years ago, the mid-ocean rift crossed over the hotspot, and the hotspot passed under the African Plate and had been relatively quiet from 45-10 million years ago. When activity resumed, the Mascarene Islands, which include Mauritius, Reunion, and Rodrigues were created. Mantle Plumes And Divergence (Plate Tectonics)”
Why relevant
Explains that atolls and many island chains were formed by hotspot/volcanic processes over millions of years.
How to extend
Use basic geological knowledge (hotspot/volcanic vs reclaimed land signatures) and region maps to see if Senkaku fits long-timescale volcanic/atoll formation patterns.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > THE INDIAN ISLANDS > p. 66
Strength: 3/5
“India has a total of 615 islands, of which 572 lie in the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining 43 in the Arabian Sea. Out of the 572 islands of Andaman and Nicobar, only 36 are inhabited. The Bay of Bengal islands include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which are largely tectonic and volcanic in origin, while the islands of the Arabian Sea are mainly coral formations. Moreover, there are a number of offshore islands along the mouth of the Ganga, eastern and western coasts and in the Gulfs of Khambat, Kachchh and Mannar.”
Why relevant
Contrasts different island origins (tectonic/volcanic vs coral) showing islands are commonly natural products of plate processes and biological deposition.
How to extend
A student could check whether Senkaku's physical description matches known natural island types (rocky/volcanic or coral) rather than human-made reclamation features.
Statement 2
Are the Senkaku Islands located in the South China Sea?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"a small group of Japanese-administered islands located in the East China Sea."
Why this source?
- Directly states the Senkaku Islands' location as the East China Sea, which contradicts placement in the South China Sea.
- Explicitly identifies the islands as a distinct group administered by Japan in that sea.
"Figure 1: The East China Sea Source: Mark Manyin, Senkaku (Diaoyu/Diaoyutai) Islands Dispute"
Why this source?
- Links the Senkaku (Diaoyu/Diaoyutai) dispute to a figure titled 'The East China Sea', associating the islands with the East China Sea region.
- Uses the Senkaku name in the context of East China Sea material, supporting that they are not in the South China Sea.
"The Philippines faces almost regular intimidation by China in the South China Sea, while Japan deals with pressure around the Senkaku Islands."
Why this source?
- Contrasts pressures in the South China Sea (Philippines) with pressure around the Senkaku Islands (Japan), implying they are in different maritime areas.
- Supports the interpretation that the Senkaku Islands are not located in the South China Sea.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Girculation of the Pacific Ocean > p. 111
Strength: 5/5
“The North-East Trade Winds blow the North Equatorial Current off the coasts of the Philippines and Taiwan into the East China Sea as the Kuroshio or Kuro Siwo or Japan Current. kaido. The cold water eventually sinks beneath the warmer waters of the North Pacific Drift. Part of it drifts southwards as the cool Californian Current along the coasts of the western U.S.A. and coalesces with the North Equatorial Current to complete the clockwise circulation. The current system of the South Pacific is the same as that of the South Atlantic. The South Equatorial Current, driven by the South-East Trade winds, flows southwards along the coast of Queensland as the East Australian Current, bringing warm equatorial waters into temperate waters.”
Why relevant
Describes flow of currents from the Philippines and Taiwan into the East China Sea, identifying the East China Sea as a distinct maritime region near Taiwan and the Philippines.
How to extend
A student can use a basic map to note that islands near Taiwan (like the Senkaku/Diaoyu group) lie in/near the East China Sea area rather than the South China Sea.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Himalayas and east and south east Asia > p. 9
Strength: 4/5
“4.1). • 25. Japan Biodiversity Hotspot Te islands that comprise the Japanese Archipelago stretch from the humid subtropics in the south to the boreal zone in the north, resulting in a wide variety of climates and bio-diversity in ecosystems.• 26. Mountains of South-West China Te province of Yunnan (China) and surrounding mountainous areas have great diversity in endemic plants and animals.• 27. New Caledonia A group of islands in the South Pacifc Ocean, New Caledonia is the home of more than fve endemic plant families.• 28. New Zealand Biodiversity Hotspot It is a mountainous archipelago once dominated by temperate rainforests.”
Why relevant
Identifies the Japanese Archipelago as a series of islands stretching south toward subtropical zones, establishing Japan-related island groups in the East/North Pacific region.
How to extend
A student can place Japan and proximate disputed island groups (e.g., Senkaku/Diaoyu claimed by Japan) on a map to distinguish them from South China Sea islands farther southwest.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Oceanic islands > p. 97
Strength: 2/5
“These islands are normally small and are located in the midst of oceans. They have no connection with the mainland which may be hundreds of thousands of kilometres away. They have a flora and fauna unrelated to those of the continents (Fig. 11.2). The Galapagos Islands have many unique species of animals. Due to their remoteness from the major trading centres of the world, most of the oceanic islands are very sparsely populated.”
Why relevant
Gives a general rule that oceanic island groups are located in specific ocean basins and can be remote from continents, implying the importance of identifying the correct sea/ocean basin for any island group.
How to extend
A student can apply this principle by checking which ocean basin (East vs South China Sea, or Indian Ocean) contains the islands in question on a map.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > THE INDIAN ISLANDS > p. 66
Strength: 2/5
“India has a total of 615 islands, of which 572 lie in the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining 43 in the Arabian Sea. Out of the 572 islands of Andaman and Nicobar, only 36 are inhabited. The Bay of Bengal islands include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which are largely tectonic and volcanic in origin, while the islands of the Arabian Sea are mainly coral formations. Moreover, there are a number of offshore islands along the mouth of the Ganga, eastern and western coasts and in the Gulfs of Khambat, Kachchh and Mannar.”
Why relevant
Distinguishes major island groups by ocean (Bay of Bengal vs Arabian Sea) showing that textbook geographic sections separate islands by named seas.
How to extend
By analogy, a student should look for which named sea (East China Sea, South China Sea, etc.) an island group is treated under on maps or regional descriptions to judge the claim.
Statement 3
Are the Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"a small group of Japanese-administered islands located in the East China Sea."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states the islands are a small group of Japanese-administered islands located in the East China Sea.
- Source is a Congressional Research Service report, a high-quality factual reference.
"The Senkaku Islands ... are a group of eight uninhabited islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and the Japanese archipelago of Okinawa."
Why this source?
- Directly describes the Senkaku Islands as a group of eight uninhabited islands in the East China Sea.
- Gives geographic context (between Taiwan and Okinawa) supporting location in the East China Sea.
"increased patrolling in the East China Sea, where the Japan-administered Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are located."
Why this source?
- States that the Japan-administered Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are located in the East China Sea while discussing regional patrolling.
- From CFR timeline, a reputable informational source confirming location.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Girculation of the Pacific Ocean > p. 111
Strength: 5/5
“The North-East Trade Winds blow the North Equatorial Current off the coasts of the Philippines and Taiwan into the East China Sea as the Kuroshio or Kuro Siwo or Japan Current. kaido. The cold water eventually sinks beneath the warmer waters of the North Pacific Drift. Part of it drifts southwards as the cool Californian Current along the coasts of the western U.S.A. and coalesces with the North Equatorial Current to complete the clockwise circulation. The current system of the South Pacific is the same as that of the South Atlantic. The South Equatorial Current, driven by the South-East Trade winds, flows southwards along the coast of Queensland as the East Australian Current, bringing warm equatorial waters into temperate waters.”
Why relevant
Mentions the North Equatorial Current being deflected off the coasts of the Philippines and Taiwan into the East China Sea, tying Taiwan and nearby maritime area to the East China Sea.
How to extend
A student could use a standard map to note that islands lying near Taiwan and east of China would fall within the East China Sea region, and check whether the Senkaku group lies there.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Himalayas and east and south east Asia > p. 9
Strength: 3/5
“4.1). • 25. Japan Biodiversity Hotspot Te islands that comprise the Japanese Archipelago stretch from the humid subtropics in the south to the boreal zone in the north, resulting in a wide variety of climates and bio-diversity in ecosystems.• 26. Mountains of South-West China Te province of Yunnan (China) and surrounding mountainous areas have great diversity in endemic plants and animals.• 27. New Caledonia A group of islands in the South Pacifc Ocean, New Caledonia is the home of more than fve endemic plant families.• 28. New Zealand Biodiversity Hotspot It is a mountainous archipelago once dominated by temperate rainforests.”
Why relevant
Describes the Japanese Archipelago and its latitudinal extent, giving context that Japan’s islands and nearby island groups span maritime zones in East Asia.
How to extend
Combine this with a map to see whether an island group claimed by/near Japan lies in the East China Sea rather than another oceanic sector.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Oyashio Current and Okhotsk Current – Cold > p. 490
Strength: 2/5
“• Oyashio flows across the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula to merge with the warmer waters of Kuroshio. Okhotsk current flows past Sakhalin Islands to merge with the Oyashio current off Hokkaido (Northern Japanese Island). The convergence of cold and warm currents makes the zone one of the richest fishing grounds.”
Why relevant
Discusses ocean currents and convergence zones off Japanese coasts (Kamchatka, Hokkaido), illustrating how oceanographic descriptions are tied to specific regional seas around Japan.
How to extend
Use coastal/current references plus a map to narrow which named sea (e.g., East China Sea vs. Sea of Japan) an island group adjacent to Japan would be in.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Gontinental islands > p. 97
Strength: 2/5
“These islands were formerly part of the mainland and are now detached from the continent. They may be separated by a shallow lagoon or a deep channel (Fig. 11.1). Their separation could be due to subsidence of some part of the land or to a rise in sea-level, so that the lowland links are submerged by the sea. Their former connection with the neighbouring mainland can be traced from the similar physical structure, flora and fauna that exist on both sides of the channel 1. Individual islands. These lie just outside the continent, very much associated with the characteristic features of the mainland of which they were once part.”
Why relevant
Gives a general definition of continental islands as those closely associated with a neighbouring mainland and separated by channels, a pattern useful for placing island groups relative to continental coasts.
How to extend
Apply this rule with a map to see if the Senkaku islands are small islands separated from the Chinese/Taiwan/Japanese coasts by shallow channels typical of continental islands in the East China Sea region.
Statement 4
Do China and Japan have maritime or territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Territorial disputes between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea"
Why this source?
- Explicitly identifies the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands as the subject of territorial disputes between China and Japan.
- Places the dispute in the East China Sea and links it to regional security concerns, confirming it is a recognized bilateral territorial issue.
"The Japanese government’s September 2012 purchase of three of the Senkaku Islands from a private Japanese owner angered China, sparking an escalation in tensions between China and Japan."
Why this source?
- Describes actions (Japan's 2012 purchase) that provoked China and 'sparked an escalation in tensions,' showing active dispute.
- Explains transfer of administrative rights to Japan while noting U.S. neutrality on ultimate sovereignty, indicating contested sovereignty.
"the Chinese government and Taiwan authorities began to make their own assertions about territorial sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the 1970s."
Why this source?
- Notes that China (and Taiwan) began asserting territorial sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the 1970s, demonstrating rival claims.
- Provides historical timing for when competing claims emerged, supporting that a territorial dispute exists.
History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 14: Outbreak of World War II and its Impact in Colonies > Japan > p. 229
Strength: 4/5
“Roosevelt, Churchill and Nationalist China's Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek met in Cairo as early as in November 1943 and decided the fate of the Japanese empire. All the territories taken by Japan from China, with the exception of Korea, were to be restored to the Chinese Republic. Korea was to become free and independent. Japan lost all conquests it had made since 1931. It was also obliged to give up Formosa (now Taiwan) and the Pacific islands that it had gained decades earlier.”
Why relevant
Notes that after WWII the Allies decided Japan must give up territories it had taken from China (mentions Formosa/Taiwan and Pacific islands), showing island sovereignty was a subject of post‑war settlement.
How to extend
A student could check post‑WWII treaties/maps to see whether specific small islands (e.g., ones near Okinawa/East China Sea) were listed or contested, suggesting grounds for an island dispute.
Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation > PATHS TO MODERNISATION > p. 153
Strength: 4/5
“EAST ASIA at the beginning of the nineteenth century was dominated by China. The Qing dynasty, heir to a long tradition, seemed secure in its power, while Japan, a small island country, seemed to be locked in isolation. Yet, within a few decades China was thrown into turmoil unable to face the colonial challenge. The imperial government lost political control, was unable to reform effectively and the country was convulsed by civil war. Japan on the other hand was successful in building a modern nation-state, creating an industrial economy and even establishing a colonial empire by incorporating Taiwan (1895) and Korea (1910).”
Why relevant
Summarises Sino‑Japanese wars and Japan's acquisition of territory (Taiwan, Korea), showing a historical pattern of territorial changes between the two states.
How to extend
A student could infer that legacy territorial issues between China and Japan sometimes involve islands and then consult maps/treaties for islands in the East China Sea to test if a dispute exists.
Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation > Introduction > p. 156
Strength: 4/5
“Japan, by contrast, is a string of islands, the four largest being Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido. The Okinawan chain is the southernmost, about the same latitude as the Bahamas. More than 50 per cent of the land area of the main islands is mountainous and Japan is situated in a very active earthquake zone. These geographical conditions have influenced architecture. The population is largely Japanese but there are a small Ainu minority and Koreans who were forcibly brought as labour when Korea was a Japanese colony. Japan lacks a tradition of animal rearing. Rice is the staple crop and fish the major source of protein.”
Why relevant
Describes Japan as an island state and specifically mentions the Okinawan chain as the southernmost islands, indicating Japan administers multiple island chains.
How to extend
A student could use a world/regional map to locate Okinawa and nearby uninhabited islets to evaluate whether such islets lie near China and thus could be subject to maritime/territorial claims.
History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 13: Imperialism and its Onslaught > Strong-arm Diplomacy of Japan after 1905 > p. 199
Strength: 3/5
“The assassination of a prominent Japanese diplomat by a Korean provided the excuse in 1910 for Japan's annexation of Korea. The confusion in China following the downfall of Manchu dynasty in 1912 provided Japan with an opportunity for further expansion. In 1915, Japan presented Twenty-One Demands to the President of the newly established Chinese Republic, Yuan Shih-kai.”
Why relevant
Discusses Japan's imperial expansion and acquisition of territories following conflicts with China, exemplifying how Japan historically gained islands/territories from China.
How to extend
A student could compare historical treaties (e.g., outcomes of Sino‑Japanese conflicts) and modern claims to see whether small island groups were part of contested transfers.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.15 China's Ring of Pearls in Indian Ocean > p. 77
Strength: 3/5
“There is too much diversity among the littoral states and many of them do not have peaceful cordial relations with their neighbours. Even large littoral states have own economic interests. With the growing activity of China and Japan in the Indian Ocean, the complexity has been further enhanced. China wants to establish itself as a major power in the Afro-Asian region. Similarly, Japan has economic interests in the region because 60% of its trade is carried through the Indian Ocean. After the American war in Iraq, the Indian Ocean has assumed paramount importance in the geopolitics of the world. Thus, there are external as well regional forces which have been working in the Indian Ocean region and are responsible for bringing this region in the focus of world politics.”
Why relevant
Notes growing strategic activity by both China and Japan in regional waters and that external regional forces complicate maritime geopolitics.
How to extend
Using this pattern, a student might look for contemporary maritime flashpoints between China and Japan (islands/sea lanes) on a map to identify likely disputed features.
Statement 5
Has a permanent United States military base been established on the Senkaku Islands?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"the U.S. government has made it clear that the Senkaku Islands have been under the administration of the Government of Japan since their reversion to Japan as part of the Okinawa reversion in 1972 and that the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands."
Why this source?
- States that the U.S. government has made clear the Senkaku Islands have been under Japanese administration since their reversion in 1972.
- Says the Japan–U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, implying U.S. security commitments rather than a separate permanent U.S. base on the islands.
"Since the end of World War II, the Senkaku Islands were placed under the administration of the United States of America as part of the Nansei Shoto Islands."
Why this source?
- Explains the islands were placed under U.S. administration after World War II as part of the Nansei Shoto.
- Context that U.S. administration was a post-war arrangement supports the fact that administration later changed (i.e., reverted) rather than indicating a continuing permanent U.S. base.
"They are also explicitly included in the area whose administrative rights were reverted to Japan when Okinawa was reverted to Japan in 1972."
Why this source?
- Specifically notes the islands were included in the area whose administrative rights were reverted to Japan when Okinawa was reverted in 1972.
- Reversion of administrative rights to Japan indicates the islands are under Japanese control rather than hosting a permanent U.S. military base.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > History > p. 71
Strength: 4/5
“It is a shallow, horseshoe shaped atoll. This base is fully equipped with nuclear weapons and provides decisive advantage to the United States to command the areas of South-west Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, South-east Asia, China, and Russia. In addition to Diego Garcia, the United States of America has established its strategic bases at Asmara (Eritrea), Woomera and Harsld E. Holt (Australia), Bahrain (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Dammam, Jubail (Saudi Arabia), Mahe (Seychelles). Similarly Vacaaos (Mauritius), Gan Island, Masirah Island, Simonstown (South Africa), and Port Louis (Seychelles) military bases are jointly owned by USA”
Why relevant
Lists many examples where the United States has established strategic bases on remote islands and overseas territories.
How to extend
A student could compare that pattern (US placing bases on remote islands) with the location of the Senkaku Islands on a map to judge whether they fit typical US basing choices and therefore whether a base there would be plausible.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > Japan > p. 27
Strength: 5/5
“It is the second largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN, contributing almost 10 per cent of the total. Japan has a security alliance with the US since 1951. As per Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, "the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes." Although Japan's military expenditure is only one per cent of its GDP, it is the seventh largest in the world. Keeping all this in mind, do you think Japan can effectively function as an alternative centre of power?”
Why relevant
States Japan has a long-standing security alliance with the US (since 1951), implying US forces are stationed in Japan.
How to extend
A student could note that Senkaku Islands are administered by Japan (use a map) and ask whether existing US forces in Japan include any permanent installations on islands under Japanese administration such as Senkaku.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity > Tensions and Conflicts > p. 11
Strength: 4/5
“close to West Asia. After 11 September 2001, the US wanted military bases in the region and paid the governments of all Central Asian states to hire bases and to allow airplanes to fly over their territory during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, Russia perceives these states as its 'Near Abroad' and believes that they should be under Russian influence. China has interests here because of the oil resources, and the Chinese have begun to settle around the borders and conduct trade. I n e a s t e r n E u r o p e , Czechoslovakia split peacefully into two, with the Czechs and the Slovaks forming independent countries.”
Why relevant
Gives a pattern that the US negotiates and pays host governments for basing rights in foreign states (post‑9/11 Central Asia example).
How to extend
One could check whether any agreement or payment to Japan (or local authorities) is recorded specifically for basing on the Senkakus, since the US typically secures formal host-nation consent.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > JAPANESE CONSTITUTION > p. 685
Strength: 3/5
“It prohibits Japan from maintaining land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential. It also does not recognise the right of belligerency of the state.”
Why relevant
Explains Japan's constitution prohibits Japan from maintaining war potential, a legal/political constraint on Japanese militarization.
How to extend
A student could consider how Japan's constitutional limits affect basing arrangements with the US (e.g., reliance on US forces rather than Japanese bases) and thus whether the Senkakus would be likely to host a Japanese- or US-run permanent base.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > History > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“Recent reports say that there are 35 Russian warships in the region. Russia has made diplomatic moves and has entered into bilateral treaties with several countries of the region, like Mauritius, Somalia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt. It maintains military bases at Berbera (Somalia), Masirah (Oman), Umakas, and Dahalak (Red Sea) Islands. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, China has also started taking keen. interest in the Indian Ocean. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, China is trying to fill in the vacuum and assume leadership of the Afro-Asian world. In recent years China has built naval bases in Kyaukpyu and Cacos Islands (Myanmar), Hambantota and Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan).”
Why relevant
Shows the broader pattern of foreign powers (Russia, China) building naval bases on islands in the region.
How to extend
Using this pattern and a regional map, a student might assess whether strategic competition in East Asia makes a US base on Senkaku consistent with regional basing trends or whether other locations are more typical.
Statement 6
Did the International Court of Justice declare the Senkaku Islands to be no man's land?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Some experts assert that Japan should acknowledge that a dispute exists and file a suit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). ... However, should China wish to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ and pursue this matter at the Court, Tokyo would accept the challenge"
Why this source?
- States the option of filing a suit with the ICJ as a proposal, implying no ICJ adjudication has yet occurred.
- Notes that China would have to accept ICJ jurisdiction for the Court to hear the matter, indicating the dispute has not been decided by the ICJ.
"is Japan’s claim so legally unassailable as to admit of no other result than a ruling in its favor should the case be brought before the International Court of Justice?"
Why this source?
- Frames the question of an ICJ ruling as hypothetical — 'should the case be brought before the International Court of Justice', showing no such ruling has been made yet.
- Analyzes whether Japan’s claim 'would admit of no other result than a ruling in its favor should the case be brought', indicating discussion rather than an existing ICJ decision.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 6: Union and Its Territory > PARLIAMENT'S POWER TO REORGANISE THE STATES > p. 51
Strength: 5/5
“On the other hand, the Supreme Court in 1969 ruled that settlement of a boundary dispute between India and another country does not require a constitutional amendment. It can be done by executive action as it does not involve cession of Indian territory to a foreign country. The various laws made by the Parliament under Article 3 are mentioned in Table 6.4.”
Why relevant
Gives a legal pattern: a national supreme court said boundary settlement with another country can be done by executive action and does not necessarily require constitutional amendment.
How to extend
A student could extend this to ask whether states often resolve island sovereignty disputes by bilateral/administrative measures rather than by recourse to the ICJ, and then check if Japan/China/Taiwan pursued such routes for Senkaku.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 16: Administration of Union Territories and Acquired Territories > p. 311
Strength: 4/5
“But the President's power to make Ildandl Such Legislature is dissolved or suspended. High Courts for Vnloa Terrltorlel. Parliament may by law constitute a high court for a Union Territory or declare any court in any such Territory to be a high court for all or any of the purposes of this Constitution [Aniele 241]. Until such legislation is made the existing high courts relating to such territories shall continue to exercise their jurisdiction. In the result, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acts as ,the High Court of Chandigarh; the Lakshadweep Island is under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court; the Calcutta High Court has got jurisdiction.”
Why relevant
Describes domestic administration and judicial jurisdiction over islands (examples of Indian islands attached to particular high courts).
How to extend
Use this pattern to note that states commonly assert domestic jurisdiction over specific islands — so one should check whether Japan had already treated Senkaku as administered territory (which would make an 'ICJ no man's land' finding less likely).
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 23: THE HIGH COURT > p. 364
Strength: 4/5
“extends to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; that of the Kerala High Court extends to the Lakshadweep [see Table XVIII]. The Constitution does not make any provision relating to the general jurisdiction of High Courts. To their ordinary jurisdiction, but maintains their jurisdiction as it existed at the commencement of the Constitution, with this improvement that any restrictions upon their jurisdiction as to revenue matters that existed prior to the Constitution shall no longer exist [Article 225]. The existing jurisdictions of the high courts are governed by the Letters Patent and Central and State Acts; in particular, their civil and criminal jurisdictions are primarily governed by the two Codes of Civil and Criminal Procedure. (a) The High Courts at the three Presidency towns of (a) Original.”
Why relevant
Explains that High Courts' jurisdictions extend to named island groups and that existing jurisdictions are maintained, showing a general practice of domestic legal control over islands.
How to extend
A student could compare this general practice to the Senkaku case: if a state has long-standing domestic jurisdictional practices, ICJ declarations of 'no man's land' are less probable — so check Japan's administrative acts over the islands.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 41: Union Territories > ADMINISTRATION OF UNION TERRITORIES > p. 411
Strength: 3/5
“Delhi is the only union territory that has its own high court (since 1966). The Bombay High Court has jurisdiction over the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. These are placed under the Calcutta High Court.”
Why relevant
Lists specific examples of union territories being placed under certain high courts, reinforcing that islands are commonly integrated into domestic court jurisdictions.
How to extend
Apply this idea to investigate whether any claimant state left Senkaku entirely unadministered (supporting a 'no man's land' claim) or instead incorporated it into domestic administrative structures.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CONSTITUTION > p. 222
Strength: 2/5
“Article 9 of the Japanese constitution states — 1) Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. 2) In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained… This shows how the context of making the constitution dominates the thinking of the constitution makers.”
Why relevant
States Japan's constitutional renunciation of war and use of force, implying Japan may prefer legal or administrative dispute-resolution methods over military means.
How to extend
A student might infer that Japan could have sought non-military means (diplomatic or judicial) regarding Senkaku — so one should check if Japan or others submitted the dispute to the ICJ and whether ICJ made such a finding.
Statement 7
Do any Southeast Asian countries claim sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Japan, China, and Taiwan all claim sovereignty over the islands, known as the Senkaku-shoto in Japan, the Diaoyu Dao in China, and the Diaoyutai Lieyu in Taiwan."
Why this source?
- Explicitly lists the parties that claim the islands as Japan, China, and Taiwan.
- No Southeast Asian country is mentioned among the claimants in this passage, implying claimants are limited to those three.
"However, both Taiwan and China were quick to claim them. Japan has laid claim to the islands since the 1800s."
Why this source?
- States that after Okinawa's reversion the islands were returned to Japan and that both Taiwan and China quickly claimed them.
- Reinforces that the claimants discussed are Japan, China, and Taiwan—again not mentioning any Southeast Asian country.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) > p. 19
Strength: 4/5
“Take a look at the political map of the world. Which countries would you say fall in the southeastern region of Asia? Before and during the Second World War, this region of Asia suffered the economic and political consequences of repeated colonialisms, both European and Japanese. At the end of the war, it confronted problems of nationbuilding, the ravages of poverty and economic backwardness and the pressure to align with one great power or another during the Cold War. This was a recipe for conflict, which the countries of Southeast Asia could ill afford. Efforts at Asian and Third World unity, such as the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, were ineffective in establishing the conventions for informal cooperation and interaction.”
Why relevant
Defines and points readers to a political map to identify which countries comprise Southeast Asia.
How to extend
A student could use a world map to locate those Southeast Asian states relative to the Senkaku Islands to judge plausibility of their claiming those islands.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > The ASEAN Flag > p. 20
Strength: 4/5
“In the ASEAN logo, the ten stalks of paddy (rice) represent the ten Southeast Asian countries bound together in friendship and solidarity. The circle symbolises the unity of ASEAN. Source : www.aseansec.org”
Why relevant
Lists the ten Southeast Asian countries symbolically (ASEAN membership), helping assemble the set of states considered 'Southeast Asian.'
How to extend
Combine this list with a geographic map to see whether any ASEAN members are geographically proximate to the Senkaku Islands and thus likely claimants.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 394
Strength: 4/5
“Countries in East Asia region have thriving trade and economic relations with each other through free trade agreements. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has free trade agreements with six partners namely China (ACFTA), Republic of Korea (AKFTA), Japan (AJCEP), India (AIFTA) as well as Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA). In order to broaden and deepen the engagement among parties and to enhance parties' participation in economic development of the region, the leaders of 16 participating countries established the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with the spirit to strengthen economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment related activities as well as to contribute to minimising development gap among the parties.”
Why relevant
Mentions East Asian partners (China, Japan, Korea) distinct from ASEAN, implying a regionally separate grouping that includes known Senkaku claimants.
How to extend
A student could note that China and Japan (named here as East Asian partners) are in the same broader maritime area as the Senkaku Islands and check whether ASEAN states are similarly positioned.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > History > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“Recent reports say that there are 35 Russian warships in the region. Russia has made diplomatic moves and has entered into bilateral treaties with several countries of the region, like Mauritius, Somalia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt. It maintains military bases at Berbera (Somalia), Masirah (Oman), Umakas, and Dahalak (Red Sea) Islands. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, China has also started taking keen. interest in the Indian Ocean. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, China is trying to fill in the vacuum and assume leadership of the Afro-Asian world. In recent years China has built naval bases in Kyaukpyu and Cacos Islands (Myanmar), Hambantota and Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan).”
Why relevant
Describes Chinese strategic activity and bases in the wider region, indicating China's regional maritime interests and presence.
How to extend
Use this as a clue that China is an active regional actor with interests in nearby islands; a student could compare this with the geographic locations of Southeast Asian states to assess which states might plausibly claim the Senkakus.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC deliberately mixes up regional disputes. They swapped attributes of the South China Sea (artificial islands, ASEAN involvement) into options about an East China Sea dispute to trap superficial readers.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. For any serious IR student, 'Senkaku = Japan vs China in East China Sea' is fundamental knowledge.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Maritime Geopolitics & The First Island Chain. The syllabus theme is 'Effect of policies of developed and developing countries on India's interests'.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Dispute Matrix': 1) Kuril Islands (Russia vs Japan, Sea of Okhotsk), 2) Takeshima/Dokdo (Japan vs S. Korea, Sea of Japan), 3) Paracels (China vs Vietnam, SCS), 4) Spratlys (China/Vietnam/Philippines/Malaysia/Brunei, SCS), 5) Scarborough Shoal (China vs Philippines), 6) Chagos (UK vs Mauritius, Indian Ocean).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just read 'tensions rise'. Map the conflict. Always tag a dispute with three attributes: The Water Body, The Claimants, and The Status (e.g., inhabited vs uninhabited, artificial vs natural).
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Volcanic island arcs and island formation
💡 The insight
Many islands are formed by volcanic activity along subduction zones producing island arcs rather than being constructed by humans.
High-yield for geography questions distinguishing origins of island groups; links plate tectonics, volcanism, and regional geomorphology. Mastering this helps answer questions about why island chains (e.g., Japanese/Ryukyu-type arcs) exist and to eliminate claims that such islands are man-made.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Island Arcs > p. 111
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Gontinental islands > p. 97
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands artificial (man-made) islands created by a country?"
👉 Coral islands and atoll formation
💡 The insight
Some island groups are built from coral deposits and atoll development, a natural biogenic process distinct from artificial land reclamation.
Important for questions on coastal geomorphology and island classification (coral vs tectonic/volcanic). Understanding coral-built islands aids in evaluating claims about island origin and in topics like coastal ecosystems and maritime zones.
📚 Reading List :
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > Lakshadweep islands > p. 21
- INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography > The Islands > p. 15
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 12: Hotspot Volcanism > Reunion Hotspot > p. 165
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands artificial (man-made) islands created by a country?"
👉 Distinguishing natural vs. artificial islands
💡 The insight
Natural island origins (volcanic, tectonic, coral) provide the baseline to judge whether an island is man-made.
Conceptually useful across polity/geography questions involving territorial disputes and maritime claims; helps frame evidence-based answers about island sovereignty and construction. Enables candidates to assess claims about artificial island creation versus natural landforms.
📚 Reading List :
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > Formation of Island Arcs > p. 111
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > Lakshadweep islands > p. 21
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Gontinental islands > p. 97
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands artificial (man-made) islands created by a country?"
👉 Marginal seas as locational identifiers
💡 The insight
Identifying which marginal sea an island group lies in (e.g., Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, East China Sea) is the primary way to place islands regionally.
High-yield for UPSC geography: many questions ask which sea or ocean an island or archipelago belongs to. Mastering this helps quickly eliminate options in location-based MCQs and map questions, and links to maritime boundary and strategic geography topics.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > THE INDIAN ISLANDS > p. 66
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > Lakshadweep islands > p. 21
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Girculation of the Pacific Ocean > p. 111
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands located in the South China Sea?"
👉 Island origin and classification (coral atolls vs tectonic/volcanic)
💡 The insight
Knowing whether islands are coral atolls or tectonic/volcanic helps classify island groups and often correlates with their regional distribution.
Useful for questions on island physiography, coastal ecology, and resource management. It connects physical geography with biodiversity and human habitation patterns, enabling explanation-type answers beyond mere location.
📚 Reading List :
- INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography > The Islands > p. 15
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > THE INDIAN ISLANDS > p. 66
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 17: Major Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Atolls > p. 222
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands located in the South China Sea?"
👉 Regional ocean currents and named seas
💡 The insight
Ocean current systems and named seas (for example the Kuroshio current into the East China Sea) help distinguish oceanographic regions in East and Southeast Asia.
Important for UPSC topics on maritime climate, marine resources, and strategic naval geography. Knowing current flows and sea names aids in situating islands within broader oceanographic frameworks and answering causation questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Girculation of the Pacific Ocean > p. 111
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Oceanic islands > p. 97
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands located in the South China Sea?"
👉 Regional seas and their names (East China Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal)
💡 The insight
Accurate identification of regional seas is required to decide whether an island group lies in the East China Sea.
High-yield for questions on maritime geography and island location; helps in mapping disputes, trade routes and zonal jurisdiction. Mastery enables quick elimination of wrong options in location-type MCQs and supports answers in polity/geography overlaps about maritime boundaries.
📚 Reading List :
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Girculation of the Pacific Ocean > p. 111
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Oceans and Continents > DON'T MISS OUT > p. 33
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India > Indian Islands > p. 21
🔗 Anchor: "Are the Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea?"
The 'Socotra Rock' (Ieodo) dispute. It is a submerged rock in the Yellow Sea disputed between South Korea and China. Unlike Senkaku, it is submerged, yet hosts a Korean research station.
Use the 'Regional Grouping' filter. Option D mentions 'South-East Asian countries'. Japan is East Asia, not South-East Asia. ASEAN nations (SE Asia) do not claim islands as far north as Japan. This eliminates D immediately. Option A describes 'artificial islands', which is the signature move of China in the Spratlys (South China Sea), not Senkaku (East China Sea).
Connects to GS-2 (India's Act East Policy & Quad): The Senkaku dispute is the trigger for the US affirmation that Article 5 of the US-Japan Security Treaty covers these islands, which stabilizes the northern flank of the Indo-Pacific architecture India relies on.