The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Institute of Defence

www.rsis.edu.sg No.092 – 8 November 2024 The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of the S. [...] COMMENTARY Signs of improvement in China-Japan relations seemed to emerge in recent months, as seen in a series of diplomatic engagements and some resolution to contentious issues, for instance, the dispute over the Japanese release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi plant into the ocean. [...] Unabated Tensions over Sovereignty of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands are a cluster of small, uninhabited islands in the East China Sea totalling 6.3 square kilometres. [...] Breaking the Vicious Cycle Over the years, China and Japan have attempted several measures to manage their maritime disputes over the East China Sea and the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands under the East China Sea Peace, Cooperation and Friendship Initiative. [...] The two countries could draw inspiration from the recent disengagement agreement between India and China along the disputed Himalayan border, which involves a phased withdrawal of troops, changes in patrolling arrangements, and the creation of buffer zones to reduce the risk of future conflicts.