This lecture examined the current state of Japan-China relations within their historical context. Today, the relationship between Japan and China stands at a crossroads. China's growing security threat, including tensions with Taiwan, and its efforts to reshape regional rules in various ways are raising concerns in East Asia.
On the one hand, China remains one of Japan’s top trading partners. Tourism, cultural exchanges, and Chinese student enrollment in Japan have increased. Despite these socio-economic ties, public sentiment in Japan toward China is increasingly negative, with nearly 90% holding unfavorable views. Still, 60% believe the relationship remains important. Until the early 2000s, Japan managed its relations with China based on the principle of separating politics and economics. However, the emergence of economic security issues has blurred this line. Additionally, U.S.-China relations have become strained, and uncertainties such as tariff issues have emerged in U.S.-Japan relations.
Japan cannot relocate from East Asia. In that sense, China is an eternal neighbor. How will Japan coexist with China? Japan is now tackling this challenging issue under more stringent conditions than ever before.