Senkaku, Diaoyu and Google Maps
Few would imagine Japan and China are yet ready to link arms and–-ahem–-sail off into the sunset following the renewed territorial dispute over an island chain sparked by a boat collision last month. But pointed remarks like, say, demanding one of the controversial names be wiped off the face of Google Maps, was unexpected in light of recent overtures from both countries that suggested relations were on the mend.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said Thursday the government will demand Google remove the Chinese name of the disputed archipelago in the East China Sea known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan from Google Maps (GOOG), the Internet search giant’s web mapping service, according to the Japanese press. The uninhabited islands go by the name Diaoyu in Chinese.
“It’s a totally sensible, justifiable action,” the minister was quoted as saying. “I think the government should take concerted action if deemed necessary. The Foreign Ministry will steadfastly make a demand.”
