China, the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and the US-Japan Security Alliance: A Strategic Triangle in the Indo-Pacific region

Abstract

The Senkaku/Diaoyu disputes has been bone of contention between China and Japan. This conflict aggravated particularly with the start of the 21^st century. Japan being a treaty ally of the US is ambitious to counter Chinese claims and its incursions into the maritime waters of the islands. There seems a strategic competition between China and the US-Japan alliance in the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands region. Adopting interpretivist qualitative research approach with descriptive analysis method this study endeavours to investigate how Chinese claims over these islands challenge the US-Japan alliance and assesses the alliance credibility in deterring Chinese maritime activities around the Senkaku islands. Findings of this study are interpreted through neorealism demonstrating the role of balance of power, anarchy and self-help in the indo-Pacific region. Drawing secondary sources this study concludes that the expansionist Chinese incursions are exacerbating with the passage of time testing the credibility of the alliance and the alliance has effective role but with limited deterrence against China.