China-Japan Relations: Cooperation Amidst Antagonism
Abstract
Conflicting forces characterize China-Japan relations. On one hand, the economic relationship is robust and getting stronger. Each country sees the other as an important part of its own plans for economic growth. On the other hand, bilateral security relations, while stable at the moment, present the longer-term problem of possible Japanese reactions to China s continued economic and military growth and likely aspiration to the role of Asia s premier political leader. Furthermore, the two societies harbor mutual ill will stemming from historical experience. The last century has generated both Japanese pride that the country modernized ahead of China and Chinese anger at Japanese aggression. There is potential for substantial improvement in the bilateral relationship during this decade. Beijing is exhibiting increased confidence that the People s Republic of China (PRC) can best achieve its goals through cooperation, responsibility, and constructive leadership in other words, by working within the international system rather than against it, and by persuading other countries that China s national objectives are consistent with theirs. The manifestations of this orientation in Chinese diplomacy include Chinese leaders speaking like representatives of a great power rather than aggrieved victims, less official complaining about U.S. hegemony, greater support for multilateralism, and an omni-directional peace offensive. With Sino-U.S. relations much improved since the beginning of the Bush administration, Chinese officials have called this a period of strategic opportunity in which China can concentrate on economic development within a relatively benign external environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA627502
Entities
People
- Denny Roy
Organizations
- Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies