International Symposium Sheds Light on Okinawa’s Role in Asian Peace Cooperation
Beijing – Peking University played host to the distinguished 4th Ryukyu-Okinawa Frontier Academic International Symposium on Saturday. Nearly a hundred scholars and experts from Okinawa and mainland China converged to deliberate on pressing issues of geopolitical significance.
The Ryukyu-Okinawa region, with its strategic position in the heart of Asia, has long been a topic of interest for historians, policy experts, and peace activists alike. The recent symposium aimed to address Okinawa’s role not only as a potential focal point for military confrontations but also as a pivotal anchor for peace initiatives in Asia.
Tang Liguo, the Executive Chairman of the symposium and Deputy Director of the History Department at Peking University, drew attention to the age-old bonds between China and Ryukyu. He stated, “The historical links between China and Ryukyu, an archipelago annexed by Japan and renamed Okinawa in 1879, span centuries. The importance of Ryukyu studies transcends academic interest and carries profound real-world implications.”
The symposium, a joint effort of Peking University’s History Department, the Aisixiang website, the Northeast Asia Research Institute of Peking University, and the Institute of Chinese and Foreign Relations History of Peking University, brought together a blend of veteran historians, policy experts, and upcoming scholars.
One of the notable attendees, Yang Bojiang, the Director of the Japan Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shed light on Okinawa’s duality as both a potential military flashpoint and a hub of peace in Asia. He emphasized, “For Okinawa to take control of its destiny, it’s imperative for it to remain committed to a peaceful, anti-war stance.”
Okinawa’s significance is not just geopolitical; it’s deeply cultural and historical. Guo Qionghu, Editor-in-Chief of the Aisixiang website, delved into the cultural wealth of the Ryukyu people and their nearly millennia-old civilization. “The Ryukyu people, with their rich history and traditions, are an embodiment of humanity’s resilient spirit. Their right to self-determination is paramount, and addressing this is a matter of profound humanitarian concern,” Guo remarked.
The sentiments of the indigenous Ryukyu people were voiced by Matayoshi Seikiyo, a visiting professor at the University of the Ryukyus. “A new era beckons, and the mantle falls on the Ryukyu people to shape their future,” he noted. Seikiyo went on to underscore the complexity of the Ryukyu-Okinawa issue, saying, “The topic spans a gamut of subjects, and through platforms like this symposium, we aim to brainstorm ways to foster a world where shared history and culture can thrive amidst the dance of major global powers.”
Throughout the day, participants at the symposium delved deeper into nuanced discussions. Topics such as “Okinawan Social Politics and Asia-Pacific Regional Relations” shed light on Okinawa’s sociopolitical dynamics and its interaction with neighboring Asian nations. Another session on “Okinawan Social Politics and Academic History Research” highlighted the importance of academic pursuits in understanding Okinawa’s place in the larger Asian narrative. The segment on “Ryukyu History during the Kingdom Period and Asia-Pacific Regional Relations” took attendees on a historical journey, tracing the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its interplay with regional powers.
The symposium’s overarching theme highlighted the dual role of Okinawa as both a potential hotbed for conflict and a beacon of hope for peace in Asia. While the geopolitical stakes are high, the symposium’s deliberations underscored the importance of diplomacy, understanding, and collaboration in ensuring that the region remains a hub for peaceful cooperation.
Many participants left the event hopeful for the future, with a renewed sense of purpose. One attendee noted, “Such gatherings remind us of the power of dialogue and understanding. Okinawa’s future, and by extension Asia’s peace, depends on our collective will to navigate challenges through collaboration.”
In a world where power dynamics are in constant flux, platforms like the Ryukyu-Okinawa Frontier Academic International Symposium serve as invaluable spaces for dialogue, reflection, and forward-thinking. It’s a testament to the importance of academia and research in shaping a world where peace, understanding, and cooperation triumph over conflict and division.
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