1 Introduction

Why is there so much tension over disputed Chinese territories? After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the United States and China fought many times over these disputed areas. Based on historical precedents, geographical locations, and resources of these areas, both countries want to gain advantages and interests in these areas. China, the US, and other implicated countries all use the law of the Sea and a section of documents to defend their rights, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which established the rules to govern the uses of the seas and their resources [9]. Over time, the relationship between the US and China has decreased. Tensions in the region increase the risk of war, which will have a huge impact on the natural environment and local people. As China's national power rises and the US shifts its politics and economics focus to the Asia-Pacific region, these disputed territories will affect world development and the lives of ordinary people. This is why it is vital to deal with these tensions. All involved parties should take this as a warning to understand and pay attention to the consequences of war. They might realize that, despite the drive to protect their interest, waging war is not feasible. Rather, they should propose peaceful solutions that benefit everyone who inhabits these areas.

The issue of sovereignty and freedom of navigation in these disputed territories is a point of contention for both sides, and they should focus on that during negotiations [20]. All parties should actively communicate with each other to avoid war and build a peaceful and stable region, which is conducive to local future development and environmental protection. In the long run, the resolution of tensions will also benefit the future development of all countries. The peaceful approach is bound to succeed, and it requires the joint efforts of all parties, taking into account ordinary life while safeguarding their interests. Such stability will bring peace to the world and benefit the future development of East Asia in all aspects.

The literature review of the dissertation will introduce the background of these disputed areas, including the history and current situation, as well as the reasons for the current controversial situation. Why would both sides want to compete for the islands or the sea? It will also describe the actions of each country.

In the face of such a complex situation, the discussion section will focus on the current relationship between China, the US and the disputed territories, to find out the solutions suitable for them. Then it will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these different solutions as well as their impacts. Finally, the paper will identify how to achieve a mutually acceptable solution which benefits them all through a peaceful approach.

2 Research Review

The relationship between the US and China is one of the most important relations in contemporary global politics. The numerous conflicts and tensions between the nations might change world development in the future, such as technology, economics and human rights. The following literature review will focus on disputed territories around China, introduce the relevant history, describe the current situation and problems, and outline suggestions to solve or maintain the present status and effects.

2.1 Background of Disputed Territories

2.1.1 Taiwan

Cross-strait relations are one of the most complex and sensitive dynamics on earth. The two sides' main dispute is that Taiwan and China's constitutions both claim sovereignty over each other (some Taiwanese want independence and most of them support maintaining the current status). Taiwan is well located to keep China at bay; it is an island, so it can defend itself easily and restrict access to the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.

If we trace the history of cross-strait relations, the reasons for this enduring tension will become clearer. After the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controlled Mainland China. However, their opposition, The Kuomintang (KMT), retreated to Taiwan [12]. The KMT had ruled China from 1927 until 1948. The two sides remain hostile to this day. Between 1954 and 1958, the Taiwan Strait Crisis happened, which was the conflict between Mainland China and Taiwan over the control of the islands in the Taiwan Straits. In 1955, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower showed strong support for Taiwan and sent the military to assist Taiwan [56]. In 1982, the US claimed it would continue to support Taiwan, issuing the "Six Assurances", an agreement between the US and Taiwan that it would support and cooperate with Taiwan continually [54]. These actions and signed documents demonstrate the US position that, while supporting the "one China" policy, the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the sole, legitimate government of China in 1979 [23], the United States will continue to aid and support Taiwan and maintain the status quo as much as possible. Taiwan-China relations are also too sensitive to be resolved in a short period. This information indicates the beginning of the dispute and how it developed.

In the last decade, great changes have taken place in China-Taiwan relations. In 2016, under the lead of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP), Cross-strait tensions rose again. She refused to continue the conservative line of maintaining the status quo and instead began to support Taiwan's independence [38]. In response, China has increased the frequency of military aircraft around the island and taken more aggressive actions, including diplomatic restrictions [5]. Due to Tsai Ing-wen's administration, the relationship between Mainland China and Taiwan has worsened and Taiwan has become more pro- American. In 2022, The visit of Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic politician from California who serves in the United States House of Representatives, to Taiwan sent the message that Taiwan cannot defend Mainland China by itself. This shows the importance of Taiwan to the US and lets the Taiwanese people and government believe that the US will continue to support Taiwan (Stanford, 2022). Such a move has been opposed by China, which has conducted exercises around Taiwan. While accepting the "One China" principle, the US has been involved in the Taiwan issue for a long time and still is today. As we can see from the current situation, the US strategy of supporting Taiwan will continue in the future, but the stability of the region is also important to the US.

Both sides have a firm attitude towards the Taiwan issue. The Chinese government's attitude towards Taiwan is consistent and clear, which is reunification. It believes that the most ideal way to solve the issue is through peaceful negotiation and persuading Taiwan to accept one country and two systems. This political system was invented by the Chinese government, where a place is part of the PRC but retains its different institutions and way of life, and now happening in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Legal Hub, 2020). Taiwan may maintain a high degree of autonomy and become a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China with administrative, legislative, and independent judicial powers (Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2000). However, China says it has not completely renounced force, which shows the possibility of a unity of force. As China's military capabilities have improved in recent years, there have been growing calls at home for a military takeover of Taiwan. The US, claims to accept the "one China" policy, but it still shows support for DPP, which is the party that supports Taiwan's Independence. This shows US support for the status quo and a slight bias towards Taiwan's independence. In Taiwan, more than 87.4 per cent of people support maintaining the status quo, with a small fraction of the population accepting reunification to support independence [28]. The data shows that the Taiwanese do not want a conflict with either side. To deal with the Taiwan issue requires the joint efforts of China, the United States and Taiwan. As the policies and ideas of all parties will not easily change, ensuring peace and avoiding conflicts can be the common goal of all.

2.1.2 East China Sea

In the East China Sea, many disputed areas, especially Diaoyu/Senkaku island, are being contested by various countries. Numerous countries including Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea claim it as their territory. After the geological discovery in 1968 and 1969, the United Nations Economic Commission claimed "substantial energy deposits" under the Diaoyu/Senkaku island (Gonçalves de Oliveira, 2022). Thus, Mainland China entered the race to claim the island with Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. In 2012, the government of Japan bought the Diaoyu/Senkaku island for 14.5m (Little, 2022). However, in China's perception, Diaoyu/Senkaku has been China's territory since ancient times. In its eyes, Japan's purchase is invalid historically and legally [29].

In the last 10 years, oil and gas potential in the East China Sea and its geographic position have attracted the interest of China and Japan (the two main competitors). Both countries have disputed maritime delimitation and regularly patrol around the islands to assert their sovereignty. In 2014, Japan received backing from the US, President Barack Obama claimed to support the territorial integrity of Japan, which included both verbal and military support (Lytte, 2023). China's Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition. Under Joe Biden, the US has stepped up its support for Japan, helping train its military, including defending the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands [18]. Relations between China and the United States have declined further due to long-standing confrontations on various fronts, including territorial disputes [35]. This leaves the two sides with nothing to negotiate or settle, and together they are strengthening their military forces in the region. This has led to increasing tensions in the region. China, Japan, and the US are all acting in their interests in the East China Sea [53]. However, while safeguarding their interests, it is important to maintain regional peace. This is conducive to the future development of all parties.

2.1.3 South China Sea

The South China Sea has good geographical advantages, biodiversity, and abundant resources. It provides vast food for the surrounding region and the country, which accounts for 8% of the fishing industry (Khoury, 2017). This is one of the important reasons why neighboring countries in thisarea compete, including Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. In 1992, China issued the Law on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone and claimed that the whole South China Sea is part of China [1]. In 2002, China and the ten ASEAN signed a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea [45], which shows that China is willing to solve the problem. In 2009, both Vietnam and Malaysia submitted an application to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to extend their territory of the water, which contains some areas in the South China Sea that China claims. This has led the Chinese government to see it as a challenge to its sovereignty. In 2012, a Philippine warship was confronted by a Chinese fishing boat in the Scarborough Shoal [17], which caused the decline of the relationship between China and the Philippines. Similar confrontations happened in recent years and will cause the strengthening of US-Philippine military relations. The two sides negotiated, but no suitable solution has been found. In the same year, Vietnam passed the Maritime Law and claimed that it could administer the disputed Spratly and Paracel Islands [46]. This led to strong opposition from China again. Such different strategies or actions will lead to mutual dissatisfaction and opposition, which shows the controversial nature of the region.

The South China Sea is an important trading route. Many countries have a stake in this, including the Philippines, the US, and the countries near the South China Sea. In 2016, about 21% of global trade went through this area [27]. The US undertakes free navigation activities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the region, which China regards as provocative and believes that it is illegal [32]. Tensions have risen because of disagreements over territorial claims and freedom of passage in the South China Sea. In recent years, the tension between China, the Philippines and Vietnam has cooled, but China is continuing to construct military and industrial outposts on artificial islands in disputed water [25]. In response, the US called on China to halt its controversial marine reclamation in the South China Sea by increasing the military activity and naval presence in this area including freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in January and March 2018 (Center of Prevention, 2023). The US believes that it has a role in preventing military disputes from territorial disputes and maintains an interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and securing sea lines of communication. However, China sees all this as illegal interference.

For now, both countries are seeking stability and peace in the region, but neither is likely to give up their interests. They both want to maximize their interests, which for China means complete control of the waters and islands. During this period, China has continued to expand the size and number of the islands, deploying fighter jets, radar and other military facilities to protect itself or drive out fishing boats [47], showing China's true intentions in the region. For the US, to maintain its so-called freedom, it must limit China's development in the region. In general, the South China Sea is very attractive to these countries and will bring great benefits to them. They are supposed to find the most suitable way to deal with the tension, which benefits them all.

2.2 The US Action

In January 1998, both China and the US signed the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) (The Department of State, 1998), which eased relations between the two countries. In 2010, the US began to focus on Asia under Barack Obama, which included diverse aspects, such as economics and democracy. The change in strategy shows that the United States wants to consolidate its advantage in Asia. For disputed areas, the government claimed that it is going to be neutral in both the South China Sea and East China Sea, but the substantive position is against China [34]. Neutrality is for the sake of good relations with China, and the substantive position shows what the US thinks. Both countries are trying to ground in the region, but neither wants to anger the other. In modern days, the United States has maintained its previous strategy of selling arms to Taiwan and cooperating militarily with the Philippines and Japan. The United States also stressed that it will continue to assist these countries and regions in the future [8]. This shows US ambitions in Asia and concerns about China's outward expansion.

3 Discussion/ Development

Every country has a different attitude and ideal ways to deal with the current tension over these disputed areas. However, most of the nationalist solutions can only bring positive effects to the nation and may generate negative advantages to the environment, other countries, and the future development of local territory. The following discussion will analyze diverse solutions, evaluate the effects they bring and recommend a solution that benefits all sides.

3.1 Different Solutions

3.1.1 Taiwan

To accomplish the great cause of Chinese unification, China will recommend the unification process through various methods. At present, China seems to have peaceful reunification, which will not hurt compatriots across the strait and provoke the United States. This might help realize the rejuvenation of the country and the nation (Ling, 2014). One country and two systems give Taiwan more international space. This idea has created more room for peaceful negotiation. China could show Taiwan kindness by increasing economic cooperation and reducing military exercises or efforts to intimidate Taiwan. Meanwhile, the two sides' governments can have more contact and maintain a good relationship. Due to the huge support for maintaining the status quo in Taiwan, China could pay attention to Taiwan polls, improve its image, and make Taiwanese willing to accept reunification. These methods would make China more attractive and increase the chances of peaceful reunification. However, since China has never renounced force, it will take military action if Taiwan is extremely uncooperative. Under Xi's administration, the Chinese military has elevated the possibility of a military takeover of Taiwan [26]. They also have advanced knowledge of Taiwan's defence capabilities and defence deployment, and pay attention to the US reaction. With the United States still in the lead militarily, China needs to seriously consider whether it is worth it to avoid causing more losses than gains. Both methods help China to reap the benefits, including expansion of China's influence in Asia and obtaining Taiwan's high-tech industry, which will help China to develop. In the eyes of the CCP, Unification represents the rejuvenation of the country and the nation [30]. It would also bring stability to the region in the future, and the Taiwanese would no longer have to worry about a battlefield. However, it has negative effects as well. Whether there is a war or not, unification may scare neighboring countries into strengthening military cooperation with the United States, which could usher in a new period of tension in the Asia-Pacific region [7]. At the same time, those who support independence on the island may be unhappy, and their opposition could lead to instability or conflict in China's internal affairs. Sino-US relations might also become more strained, which is not conducive to the future development of the two countries. If there is a war, the people living in Taiwan and the Chinese people in the coastal cities near Taiwan would be greatly affected by the war. The number of refugees would skyrocket, and many ordinary people would die as a result. While the environment is destroyed, the economies of both sides will greatly decline.

American interests are hugely intertwined with East Asia, whether technological, military, or economic. Based on Taiwan's geographical location, strategic position and economic and technological status, the United States has great motivation to protect Taiwan's security as much as possible, and let Taiwan become the first barrier to protect the surrounding areas (Sacks, 2023). As China's military capabilities improve, continuing the current plan may not lead to immediate conflict, but in the future, the US may face greater challenges in East Asia. Thus, the US should guard against the possibility that China might unify Taiwan by force in the future, abandon the current plan, and promote the speed of Taiwan's independence on the island. To prevent the unification of China, the US can increase the support of DPP, and promote and strengthen Taiwan independence forces on the island. If the Chinese military threatens Taiwan, the US can respond forcefully (The Task Force on U.S.-China Policy, 2022). The reaction would show that the United States is protective and tell China that it cannot act recklessly, which gives confidence to the

Taiwanese government and people and make them more united against the Communist Party of China. At the same time, increased military cooperation could strengthen Taiwan's ability to defend itself. To maintain this kind of mutual trust and relations between the US and Taiwan, the US government could also increase visits by senior officials to Taiwan [43]. While promoting Taiwan's participation in more crucial international organizations and demonstrating its opposition to China's ambition to unify Taiwan, they can sign more documents on cooperation in various aspects, including Taiwan's Independence. These actions ensure communication and cooperation between governments and prevent the process of unification. The US can also limit Chinese expansion by continuing to consolidate its position in East Asia and work with the Allies. With the independence of Taiwan, Taiwan's international status will be enhanced, its disparate industries will be protected, including human rights, technology, and science. China's influence in East Asia will also be further weakened. However, aggressive pro-independence tactics would cause resentment in China, which may influence the Sino-US and Cross-Strait relations. Faced with this situation, China is bound to make a strong response, such as direct war and sanctions, which will lead to instability in the region. Taiwanese will continue to worry about the possibility of war and their life quality would decline. The island's ecology and natural environment will also be damaged. The surrounding countries would again be on edge and the interests of the United States in East Asia will be further damaged.

Comparing the solutions or strategies given by the two countries, they mainly focus on their interests instead of the original people on the island. Their future actions and plans are in the self-interest of the country. However, the solution to the Taiwan issue should be to ensure peace in Taiwan and benefit the people of the three sides, which requires the joint efforts of the three parties. Since the attitudes and policies of the three parties will not change easily and polls in Taiwan also favour maintaining the status quo, ambiguity becomes a good option. The best way to avoid a battlefield is to prevent China from declaring unification and prevent the United States from recognizing Taiwan as an independent country [3]. A tripartite army can exercise restraint, which will avoid provoking unnecessary conflict. All parties need to be careful about their actions and avoid provoking others. Clarifying or emphasizing their positions again and adding more dialogue will help the three sides understand each other and reduce the chances of speculation. Such an attitude of government and military would not touch any country's bottom line and lead to drastic reactions, such as military confrontation. The three parties can also sign documents to find a way forward in the interests of all parties. In the past, the 1992 Consensus between Mainland China and Taiwan there that there is only one China in the World, although both sides define China differently [49], and the "One China Policy" between China and the US were good solutions that maintained the political foundation of the complicated relations and exchanges among the three parties. As the situation has become tense again, they should reach a consensus as soon as possible, emulate the historical solution, and let the situation across the Taiwan Strait be stable again. At the social level, to further stabilize the situation, the people living in Taiwan, China and the US can increase cultural and academic exchanges and enhance mutual trust. This would increase civilian camaraderie, turn all three polls against the war, and put pressure on their governments to solve the issues peacefully.

For Taiwan, keeping good relations with China and maintaining the status quo will give Taiwan more international space, such as participating in different international organizations under the name of Chinese Taipei [59]. There may be a thaw in cross-strait relations, which could bring many benefits to the people of Taiwan, including an improved economy, security and quality of life. Peace and stability have ensured the development of these regions and also maintained the relations between China and the United States. The three sides can cooperate in various aspects for common development. Furthermore, Taiwan's surrounding environment was protected and the likelihood of refugees decreased. The whole Asia-Pacific region will become more stable and neighbouring countries will become less hostile to China. In general, maintaining the status quo preserves the interests of the three parties and is conducive to their future development. Although it does not solve the problem completely, it brings peace and stability, and such peace does not help these countries achieve their ultimate goals, but it benefits all ordinary people.

3.1.2 East China Sea

For China, sovereignty is inviolable. To achieve full control over the East China Sea, including the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, it should follow its approach to the South China Sea, increase patrols and firmly defend its interests. In action, China should project its military might well, but avoid direct military conflict. This can protect the local environment and maintain good relations with them. Since there are abundant resources under the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, which may be completely owned by China after full occupation. Controlling the East China Sea would also allow China to further expand its influence and access to the Pacific Ocean. However, this will cause anxiety in neighbouring countries, leading them to increase cooperation with the US. Sino-Japanese relations and Sino-US relations will continue to decline. China needs to find a direct balance between peace and occupied island and sea areas to protect its interests as much as possible.

For the sake of restriction of Chinese expansion, the US is supposed to continue to defend its and its Allies' rights and interests in the region, strengthen military cooperation with Japan, further improve Japan's military level, or directly send warships to intimidate China and deter China from thinking of moving into the Pacific [33]. In the international community, the US can create public pressure on China to criticize its illegal behaviour. This could limit China's development in the South China Sea and prevent it from expanding its influence. The US and Japan can continue to dominate the region and gain access to local resources. Continued assistance and support will reassure America's Allies and citizens that they are not overly concerned about the Chinese threat. China's expansion plans have been restrained. Having gained an advantage in the East China Sea, the US can further expand its interests in Asia and limit China's development. However, China will certainly not let this happen easily and will launch more aggressive actions, which could have even worse consequences.

The strategies of both countries attempt to gain access to local resources, block the other nations, or expand their development. But their actions could lead to a decline in relations and further tensions in the region. Due to the decline of the relationship between China and Japan, both sides should resume negotiations as soon as possible and abide by all signed agreements [16]. Both the Chinese and the Japanese forces, supported by the US, should exercise restraint, not violate the international law of the sea, and avoid provocative actions against each other [13]. This can ease the tensions and increase mutual understanding. They can seek common points while reserving differences, acquire the resources and use the sea together. This method can maintain peace in the region and will not lead to further conflict. The two sides can jointly develop the land for mutual benefit. Such a stable relationship, not only avoids wars and protects the resources under the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands and the local environment, but also benefits the future development of China, the US, and Japan. The three parties can work together, which can avoid war and benefit the future development of the region.

3.1.3 South China Sea

To achieve its real goal of complete control of the South China Sea, China would have to be radical, demonstrating its military capabilities aggressively. Such tactics might intimidate other countries, achieving the goal of complete control. Meanwhile, if China wants to militarily consolidate its advantage in the South China Sea continually, the construction and expansion of islands should be intensified. Weapons can be brought to the islands to strengthen its military power in the region. As the South China Sea has many rich resources and is also an important trade route, control of the area will help China in economic development. It will be easier for the Chinese to access resources and do business in the region, which can improve the life quality of them. However, this strategy may cause a higher possibility of military confrontation, which is negative for the environment and may decrease the relations with the US and the countries near the South China Sea. The surrounding countries may also be afraid of this and will increase cooperation with the US. People who live there would be restricted to navigation in the area. This will limit their access to resources, such as fishing, and lead to unemployment for some people who depend on fishing.

To maintain stability and peace in the South China Sea, the US has conducted freedom of navigation operations many times before under UNCLOS [31]. Such operations are to tell China that the South China Sea is not its territory and that everyone can enter and leave at will. If the US wants to counter and limit China's maritime claims and bring a sense of security to its allies, it should continue to maintain such actions. At the same time, to restrict the expansion of China, the United States could maintain its current military cooperation with other neighbouring countries, for example, the Philippines, since it has a territorial dispute with China. Such cooperation could consolidate American power in the South China Sea. The US can also find new allies, such as India, since the relations between China and India have declined in recent years, and India is interested in strengthening security ties in the region (Kritenbrink, 2017). This could effectively deter China and help its Allies gain benefits in this part of the South China Sea, such as control of more sea and resources. If they succeed in deterring China, People who live in the surrounding countries can drive to fish and don't have to worry about harassment from China. These actions or strategies could help the US achieve its strategic pivot to Asia, further entrenching American advantages and limiting China's expansion into the Pacific. Conversely, this could lead to fierce resistance and reaction from China, such as accelerating the construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea and increasing military budgets and military exercises. This might lead to renewed panic in neighbouring countries and a vicious circle.

Under the current circumstances, the pursuit of peace and stability in the South China Sea serves the interests of all parties and is what all parties hope to see. Three sides should reveal goodwill instead of hostility. They need to overcome mutual suspicion and increase dialogue. To avoid some unnecessary misunderstandings, both parties can inform each other in advance before the next move. For example, if they want to carry out military or important activities in disputed areas, they can tell each other or give a signal first to enhance mutual trust (Dingli, 2015). To protect its interests, the US can continue military cooperation with its Allies, but it must be careful not to anger China and ensure the relationship between the two countries. For the sake of the development of the South China Sea, three sides need to negotiate, sign documents and find concessions, which include the exercise of rights in the South China Sea and the way of resource allocation [55]. Such peace talks stabilize the tense situation and offer unlimited possibilities for the future development of the region. For the South China Sea, peacekeeping can protect the local ecology and natural environment. It can continue to provide food resources for the surrounding residents to maintain their daily lives. People will be safe and will have greater access to resources in the area. It protects the interests of China, the US, and neighbouring countries. They can develop the area better and even cooperate. Ships can pass through the area safely, more goods can be transported, and this boosts the economy of countries and surrounding areas. Relations between China and the US would be eased, which is possible for future development.

4 Conclusion

This dissertation first explains the relationship between these countries and the disputed area, and why they want to compete for this area, including history, geography, resources, and future development. The paper then divides the different regions into different pieces and describes their background. On the whole all sides are working in their interests including military exercises, military cooperation, diplomatic efforts and other methods. In the discussion section, the paper analyses the benefits and harm of pro-China and pro-US solutions and their effects. Their methods are good for their interests but may bring about negative consequences, such as regional instability and bilateral relations decline. After comparing the opposing plans of the two sides, this paper gives the most suitable solution for the two sides and the local area, that is, the peace solution. It maintains Sino-US relations while ensuring peace and the interests of ordinary people living in these consolidated territories.

Overall, confronting territorial disputes peacefully and amicably will ease and defuse tensions between countries, especially China and the United States, and will benefit the future development of both sides. Active communication, consensus and peaceful negotiations can safeguard the interests of all parties in these disputed areas. The example of the 1992 consensus shows that this is feasible, establishes a sound basis and provides room for future development of both sides. It is discussed that such peace will bring infinite benefits to ordinary people, local development, and the environment, which is why countries should stick to peace. This process is certainly not easy and requires efforts and mutual concessions from all sides. Adopting some ways of cultural and academic exchanges can help ease the tensions between the two countries indirectly. All parties will encounter new problems and conflicts in the future, which need to be resolved through their wisdom and efforts. They should do their best to hold the bottom line of peace and safeguard the interests of ordinary people. Successful programs of learning history and self-reflection are especially important for them.

For future research, methods for the two countries to truly and thoroughly resolve these disputes, and improve Sino-US relations can be investigated, including what ordinary people can do, and the effects of these actions. Meanwhile, seeking more historical examples of successful settlements or reduction of tensions in territorial disputes. This is conducive to the future development of these disputed areas and the future direction of cooperation between the two countries. The world is better off avoiding military confrontation and mutual distrust. They can help the world develop better and benefit ordinary people.