Why did Japan spend $600 million to preserve two rocks?

 Why Japan Spent $600 Million to Preserve Two Rocks: A Dive Into the Significance of Okinotorishima

Japan's decision to spend a staggering $600 million to preserve two seemingly insignificant rocks—known as Okinotorishima—might appear baffling at first glance. However, the story behind this investment is deeply rooted in geopolitics, territorial rights, and the strategic importance of these rocky outcrops. Here's why these rocks matter so much to Japan.

1. What Is Okinotorishima?

Okinotorishima is a pair of tiny coral outcroppings located approximately 1,740 kilometers south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. At high tide, only about 10 square meters of the rocks remain visible above the water. Officially, Okinotorishima is classified as an atoll and is Japan's southernmost point.

2. The Geopolitical Stakes: Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries can claim an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles (about 370 kilometers) from their land territory. This zone grants countries the rights to resources like fish, minerals, and oil.

By maintaining Okinotorishima as habitable land, Japan asserts its right to an EEZ of approximately 400,000 square kilometers surrounding the rocks. This area is rich in marine resources and potential underwater mineral deposits, making it a valuable economic and strategic asset.

3. The Threat of Submersion

Okinotorishima faces erosion and the risk of submersion due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Without intervention, the atoll could disappear beneath the waves, potentially invalidating Japan's claim to the surrounding EEZ.

Japan's investment in reinforcing and preserving the rocks includes the construction of seawalls and other protective structures. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that Okinotorishima continues to qualify as land under international law.

4. Controversy Over Classification

The classification of Okinotorishima as an "island" has been a point of contention. While Japan argues that it meets the criteria for land under UNCLOS, neighboring countries, particularly China and South Korea, dispute this. They claim that Okinotorishima is a mere "rock" and, therefore, cannot generate an EEZ.

The distinction between an "island" and a "rock" is significant under UNCLOS. Islands can generate EEZs, while rocks that cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own are limited to a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea.

5. Strategic Military Importance

Okinotorishima is also strategically important for national security. Its location in the Pacific makes it a potential site for monitoring maritime activities and projecting power in the region. Japan's efforts to maintain control over the area help counterbalance China's growing influence in the South and East China Seas.

6. Environmental and Technological Challenges

Preserving Okinotorishima involves advanced engineering and environmental considerations. Japan has built seawalls around the rocks and deployed technologies to protect the surrounding coral ecosystem. The project highlights Japan's commitment to blending environmental preservation with national interests.

7. A Symbol of Sovereignty

Beyond economics and strategy, Okinotorishima represents a broader issue of sovereignty. For Japan, preserving the atoll underscores its determination to defend its territorial rights in a region marked by complex maritime disputes.

Conclusion: More Than Just Rocks

Japan’s $600 million investment in Okinotorishima is about far more than preserving a pair of rocks. It reflects the country’s broader ambitions to safeguard its economic interests, maintain strategic dominance, and assert sovereignty over its maritime territories. As climate change and geopolitical rivalries intensify, Okinotorishima serves as a striking example of how even the smallest pieces of land can carry enormous significance on the global stage.