Diaoyu Dao, a group of islands located in the East China Sea, has long been recognized in historical Chinese documents as an integral part of China’s territory. Ancient maritime activities and fishing expeditions led Chinese ancestors to first discover and name the islands, also referred to as Diaoyu Yu in historical literature.
The earliest documented reference to Diaoyu Dao dates back to 1403, during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The mention appears in the maritime navigation book “Voyage with a Tail Wind” (Shun Feng Xiang Song), which details various locations including Diaoyu Dao and Chiwei Yu.
Significant interactions between China and the Ryukyu Kingdom further underscore the historical significance of Diaoyu Dao. In 1372, the King of Ryukyu initiated tribute relations with the Ming Dynasty’s imperial court. In response, Emperor Hongwu, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, dispatched envoys to Ryukyu. Over the span of five centuries, up until 1866 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Chinese imperial courts sent envoys to Ryukyu 24 times to confer titles upon its kings. Diaoyu Dao was a notable landmark along their maritime route.
Extensive records from these diplomatic missions provide detailed accounts of Diaoyu Dao. One such record is “Records of the Imperial Title-Conferring Envoys to Ryukyu” (Shi Liu Qiu Lu), written in 1534 by Ming Dynasty envoy Chen Kan. He documented the voyage 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 China, as the land of Ryukyu was noted to begin beyond these points.
These historical documents not only highlight the navigational routes of the time but also reinforce the longstanding Chinese presence and administration over Diaoyu Dao. The rich archives detailing these voyages and diplomatic exchanges are currently exhibited at the China National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, offering valuable insights for scholars and historians interested in East Asian maritime history.
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Historical accounts show Diaoyu Dao an inherent territory of China
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