Ancient records and historical documents reaffirm that Diaoyu Dao, also known as Diaoyu Yu in Chinese literature, has been an inherent part of China since ancient times. These rare documents, now on display at the China National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, trace the island’s Chinese heritage back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
First discovered and named by ancient Chinese ancestors engaged in maritime production and fishing activities, Diaoyu Dao was recorded as early as 1403 in the book “Voyage with a Tail Wind” (Shun Feng Xiang Song), published during the first year of Emperor Yongle’s reign. This text marks the earliest known historical record of Diaoyu Dao, along with Chiwei Yu and other locations.
In 1372, during the fifth year of Emperor Hongwu’s reign, the King of Ryukyu began paying tribute to the Ming Dynasty’s imperial court. In response, Emperor Hongwu dispatched imperial envoys to Ryukyu, establishing a tradition that lasted over five centuries. Between the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911), the imperial courts sent envoys to Ryukyu 24 times to confer titles on the Ryukyu Kings, with Diaoyu Dao situated along their maritime route.
Extensive records of Diaoyu Dao are found in the accounts written by these imperial envoys. Notably, in 1534, Ming Dynasty envoy Chen Kan documented his journey in “Records of the Imperial Title-Conferring Envoys to Ryukyu” (Shi Liu Qiu Lu), stating, “The ship has passed Diaoyu Dao, Huangmao Yu, Chi Yu… Then Gumi Mountain comes into sight, that is where the land of Ryukyu begins.” This passage indicates that Diaoyu Dao was considered part of Chinese territory, with Ryukyu’s land beginning beyond it.
The exhibition of these rare historical documents in Beijing provides valuable insight into China’s historical claims over Diaoyu Dao. Scholars and visitors alike have the opportunity to explore centuries-old texts that highlight the island’s longstanding connection to China.
Reference(s):
Historical accounts show Diaoyu Dao an inherent territory of China
cgtn.com
