On October 26, 2012 in the Far Eastern State University of Humanities took place a  round table on “Disputed territories in the Asia-Pacific Region: Past and Present” organized by  Asia Pacific International Relations Study Center.

Leading experts on international Khabarovsk discussed the situation with the aggravation of the diplomatic and information struggle over disputed territories in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants included A.V. Alepko (dispute over the Spratly Islands), A.L. Anisimov (Kuril problem), A.Y. Ivanov (the problem of Dokdo Islands), A.V. Samokhin (dispute over Senkaku Islands), V.N. Timoshenko (U.S. position regarding the disputed territories).

FINAL RESUME

– Experts APIR Center believes that territorial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region is a source of instability in the region delaying the development of integration processes and hamper neighbourly relations between the countries.

– The territorial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region have their roots in the era of colonial rule, world wars and local armed conflicts. Currently, the territorial claim to become the leading vector of the geopolitical interests of the leading countries of the region and the fight for economic resources.

– Currently active diplomacy role in the Asia Pacific plays Japan, as the former, but still a strong leader in the region, as well as China – which claims to be the new regional leader. The confrontation between the two leaders is fraught with unpredictable consequences, that will concern most of the region, including Russia.

– Specialists of expressed surprise with excessive appetites of Japan in territories of neighboring countries, even though this country was recognized as an aggressor in World War II and was responsible for the suffering caused to the peoples of Asia-Pacific. Particularly shocking is the claim to the Dokdo Islands, 1945, are under the jurisdiction of Korea. Rather than apologize to the Korean people for many years of colonial occupation, Japan has claim the small islands, which were included in the Japanese prefecture during the period of colonial rule.

– Still a major player in the region is the United States of America. Practically most of the territorial disputes can not be resolved without the U.S., since they have created such problems, by transferring Japan disputed territories without taking into account the views of neighbors.  In the most disputes the United States maintain Japan side. In addition, experts of APIR Center  indicate the tendency of American policy aimed at curbing the political and economic ambitions of China by overlapping supply in this country. Hence the response of China as an increasing fight for hydrocarbons-rich disputed Senkaku Islands.

– Specialists of the Center believe that Russia should be careful and balanced approach to the problems of the disputed territories of its neighbors. Unequivocal support of one of the parties to the conflict would be counterproductive and dangerous, and would not meet Russia’s interests in the Asia Pacific region. Russia should not be thinking about how to “appease the ambitions” any party it’s a rigorous course of events.

– In this situation, it would be useful to maintain the status quo in the region and to find peaceful solutions to the problems.

– In the search for peaceful solutions territorial disputes, it is necessary to avoid acute Political points and come from the interests of the peoples of the conflicting countries. In particular, it is necessary to continue the discussion on the joint use of the disputed territory to the benefit of the peoples of these countries and the region as a whole.