The Sino–Japanese Relationship and Its Implications for Regional Security in East Asia

ABSTRACT

For the last ten years, Japan and China have tried to work together toward a “mutually beneficial relationship” based on common strategic interests but have failed to accomplish this for a number of reasons. The two historical neighbors are separated by no more than a strip of water and have come a long way to be the third and the second largest economies in the world, respectively. Along with political economic aspects, relations between the two countries are of critical importance in regional and global security contexts. With that in mind, the following paper will: (1) overview trends in Sino–Japanese relations over the last ten years; (2) look at trends in China's military capabilities and activities and the implications; and (3) discuss key issues and courses of action for Japan.

KEYWORDS:

• Asia-Pacific security
• Chinese security
• Japan-China relations
• Japanese security
• Senkaku

Notes

The Government of Japan, National Security Strategy of Japan, Decision by National Security Council and Cabinet on December 17, 2013.

National Institute for Defense Studies, East Asian Strategic Review 2007, http://www.nids.go.jp/english/publication/east-asian/pdf/2007/east-asian_e2007_04.pdf, 96.

Ryousei Kokubun et al., Nicchu Kankeishi (Modern History of Japan-China Relations), (Tokyo: Yuhikaku, 2013), 224.

Joint Statement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on Comprehensive Promotion of a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests,” http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/china/joint0805.html.

National Institute for Defense Studies, East Asian Strategic Review 2009, http://www.nids.go.jp/english/publication/east-asian/pdf/2009/east-asian_e2009_04.pdf, 117.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2009, 307–309.

The decision to release the Chinese skipper in particular was observed as a political one made under pressure of China while the cabinet explained that the prosecution made the decision based on purely legal perspective. Opposition leaders such as the former LDP Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Yoshimi Watanabe, the leader of Your Party, criticized this decision as a result of DPJ's “weak-kneed diplomacy,” http://web.archive.org/web/20100925204048/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/news/20100924-OYT1T00944.htm.

Japan Coast Guard's announcements shown at the MOFA's HP, http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/page23e_000021.html.

Sankei News Archives, http://web.archive.org/web/20100926000557/http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/policy/100925/plc1009250123003-n1.htm.

http://www.dpj.or.jp/global/images/presidentialelection2012/20120910_noda.pdf.

For example, requests from the mayor of Ishigaki City for landing on the islands were rejected in January 2013 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for peaceful and stable maintenance of the islands.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “The Basic View on the Sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands,” http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/senkaku/basic_view.html.

Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United States of America.

Asagumo Shimbun, May 9, 2013, 1. In addition to the administrative branch, law makers made the position clear to oppose coercive approach toward territorial disputes. The U.S. Senate on July 30 approved a resolution as follows: “Condemns the use of coercion, threat, or force by naval maritime security or fishing vessels and military or civilian aircraft in South China Sea and the East China Sea to assert disputed maritime or territorial claims or alter the status quo (Submitted July 10 by Senator Mendez).”

Tsuyoshi Sunohara, [Struggle: Nationalization of the Senkakus] (Tokyo: Shincho-sha, 2013), 57–59.

“Ishihara Thumbs His Nose at the Central Government,” The Asahi Shimbun, April 18, 2012, http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201204180054.

Mure Dickle, “Tokyo Warned over Plans to Buy Islands,” Financial Times, June 6, 2012, http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/af98fc54-aef7-11e1-a4e0-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2e4ARl1ZX.

http://www.news24.jp/articles/2012/09/09/10213469.html.

U.S. warned government against buying Senkaku Islands: Campbell, Japan Times, April 10, 2013, http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/04/10/national/u-s-warned-government-against-buying-senkaku-islands-campbell/#.UikdrjanpTI.

Interview with a former staff member of the Noda administration.

Japan Coast Guard's announcement, http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/page23e_000021.html.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Bluebook 2015, http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000106464.pdf.

IISS, Military Balance 2015, Table 12 International Comparison of Defense Expenditure and Military Personnel.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2015, 36–37.

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/agenda/meeting/seisakukaigi/pdf/12/1-2.pdf.

Bonji Ohara, “ [Essence of PLA's Characteristics Leading Radar Illumination],” WEDGE April 2013.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2015, 45.

Ibid..

Joint Staff, http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2015/press_pdf/p20150415_01.pdf.

U.S. Department of Defense, Military and Security Developments involving the People's Republic of China 2015, 17–18.

Ibid.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2015, 33.

Yomiuri Newspaper Political Department, [Prime Minister Abe's Office versus Xi Jinping], (Tokyo: Sinchosha, 2015), 36–44.

11th Japan-China Joint Opinion Poll Analysis Report on the Comparative Data (2015), http://www.genron-npo.net/en/pp/archives/5217.html.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Bluebook 2015, 27.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2014, 284.

Ministry of Defense, Defense of Japan 2015, 48.

Government of Japan, National Security Strategy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noboru Yamaguchi

Noboru Yamaguchi is professor of military history and strategy at the National Defense Academy of Japan. He graduated from the National Defense Academy in 1974 and finished the Command and General Staff Course of the GSDF Staff College in 1983. He received his MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in 1988, and was a National Security Fellow at John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies, Harvard University in 1991–1992. After serving as Senior Defense Attaché at the Japanese Embassy in the United States, he held positions as Deputy Commandant of the GSDF Aviation School, Director for Research of the GRDC, and Vice President of the National Institute for Defense Studies. Since 2006, he held responsibilities as Commanding General of the GSDF Research and Development Command until he retired from active military duty in December 2008.