| Since the 1968 UN report, the South China Sea has been dubbed the ‘Second Persian Gulf’ due to its key role in global shipping and abundant resources in fisheries, oil, and gas. Coastal nations (Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia) have long disputed sovereignty, with conflicts like China-Philippines clashes and joint military exercises by the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, affecting regional security and trade. The ‘South China Sea Island Disputes ‘ offer valuable resources for studying international conflicts and geopolitics. Additionally, Rafu Shimpo, founded in 1904 in Little Tokyo, California, provides unique perspectives on both World Wars and an alternative history of Taiwan and China over the past century, making it a key reference for Asian studies scholars. |
| (1877-1988) The ownership of three island groups in the South China Sea—Nansha Islands (central), Xisha Islands (northwest), and Scarborough Shoal (northeast)—represents one of the longest and most complex territorial disputes in international history. Multiple neighboring countries and European colonial powers have made claims, with China asserting sovereignty dating back to the Han Dynasty, and Vietnam claiming succession from French colonial rights, especially over the Paracel Islands. This archive curates documents, maps, and official records from 1877 to 1988, covering territorial disputes, trade, and diplomacy. It includes early colonial documents from the late 19th century and records of armed conflict between Vietnam and China. The majority of documents come from Western powers, with detailed legal analyses and historical overviews. Available in English and French, the archive offers full-text search and dynamic queries, with specific geographical markers on maps. |
| ( 1904~Present)Rafu Shimpo, founded in 1904 in Little Tokyo, California, continues publication to this day, documenting significant events from WWI, WWII, postwar society, and modern developments. Initially published in Japanese, it later incorporated English, which now dominates its content. The paper briefly ceased in 1942 but resumed in 1946. Known for its unique perspective on Japanese immigration and WWII narratives, this archive offers full access to all issues and advertisements from 1904 onward. Coverage includes Taiwan’s colonial economic and education policies, postwar events such as the 228 Incident, Taiwan’s break in diplomatic ties with Japan in 1970, and Taiwan’s contributions to sports and culture. Rafu Shimpo offers a distinct immigrant community viewpoint, highlighting issues such as Taiwanese independence with 106 related articles, Chiang Kai-shek with 678 articles, and numerous reports on Sino-Japanese relations during WWII, providing a valuable alternative history of Taiwan and China over the past century. |