Former Taiwan President Disputes Japan's Claim to Diaoyu Islands, Citing 14th Century Records on China Trip
• Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou said ancient records show the Diaoyu Islands do not belong to Japan's Ryukyu kingdom, disputing Tokyo's territorial claims.
• Ma viewed a 14th century Chinese manuscript stating envoys passed the Diaoyus before reaching Ryukyu, suggesting the islands were not part of Ryukyu.
• Tensions between China and Japan over the disputed islands have increased recently, with clashes between coastguard vessels.
• Ma did not specify which country he believes the islands belong to during his mainland China trip.
• Ma's visit comes amid heightened Beijing-Taipei tensions before Taiwan's president-elect William Lai, seen as a "troublemaker" by Beijing, takes office.