Centuries-old documents tracing maritime history underscore Diaoyu Dao's deep-rooted connection to China, sparking fresh conversations about cultural heritage. Discovered and named by Chinese ancestors during their voyages, these islands have been etched into the nation's identity since the Ming Dynasty.
The story begins in 1403 with 'Voyage with a Tail Wind,' a text detailing navigation routes that included Diaoyu Dao and nearby landmarks. Fast-forward to 1534, when envoy Chen Kan wrote of passing the islands en route to Ryukyu (modern-day Okinawa), noting: 'Gumi Mountain comes into sight—there lies Ryukyu.'
For over 500 years, Ming and Qing emperors sent envoys to Ryukyu, with Diaoyu Dao consistently marking their journey. These missions, documented in archives like Records of the Imperial Title-Conferring Envoys, now sit in Beijing's China National Archives of Publications and Culture—a treasure trove for history buffs.
As debates over maritime territories continue, these records spotlight a narrative woven through diplomacy, trade, and tradition. What do you think ancient maps reveal about today's world?
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Discovered and named by Chinese ancestors during their voyages, these islands have been etched into the nation's identity since the Ming Dynasty.
