China and Japan : a twisted developing relations : retrospect and prospect

Abstract

In the new century, for all the countries of the world, their major concern is still the two outstanding issues: peace and development. Without a peaceful and stable international environment, there would be no economic prosperity and development to speak of. This has been fully proved by both the past and the present. With regard to China and Japan, two influential countries in the world, the growth of their friendly relationship has great and far-reaching significance for the peace and development in Asia and the world. However, despite their friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields having achieved a rapid development since 1972 when the two countries normalized diplomatic relations, the relations between China and Japan have experienced a twisted development largely due to once interrupted by a traumatic and unfortunate period of over 50 years in modern times and their strategic concerns toward each other after the Cold War. For both countries, the relationship is one that interweaves 'Cooperation and Coexistence' and 'Competition and Friction'. Therefore, being two regional powers, develop a long-term and stable friendly and cooperative partnership and relationships will not only accord with the fundamental interests of both countries, but also is an important factor to maintain the peace, stability and prosperity in Asia, and the world as a whole. The purpose of this thesis is to review the interweaving relationship between China and Japan and consequently put forward some pertinent measures and recommendations on how to achieve a true sense of improvement according to the characteristics of their relationships.