China‘s UN Criticism of Japan Focuses on Militarization, not Okinawa Sovereignty, Analysts Say
UNITED NATIONS - China’s recent call for Japan to address discrimination against Okinawans and other indigenous peoples at the United Nations was primarily a critique of Japan’s military presence in Okinawa, rather than a challenge to Tokyo’s sovereignty over the prefecture, according to Chinese observers.
During an October 9th debate at the UN General Assembly’s Third committee – its principal human rights body – China’s deputy permanent representative,Sun Lei,urged Japan to “stop prejudice and discrimination against Okinawans and other indigenous peoples.” Sun also called on Japan to “confront the history of its militaristic aggression against neighbouring Asian countries and colonial rule during World War II … [and to] genuinely improve the social status of women.”
Analysts suggest the remarks were largely focused on the heavy U.S. military presence in Okinawa, which hosts dozens of American bases. Okinawa’s strategic location also places it at the center of a territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
Currently,the Ainu people of northern Japan are the only group officially recognized as indigenous by the Japanese government. The situation in Okinawa, however, remains a sensitive point in Sino-Japanese relations and regional politics.
