Conclusion

Abstract

The final chapter summarizes the findings of this study and considers the implications of the misperceptions. While identifying the significance of the US factor, Yun Zhang dismisses the argument that the US should be blamed for the formation and replication of Sino–Japanese misperception. He clarifies the more fundamental problem of the old Sino–Japanese Perception Equilibrium, which has been the US-centric paradigm (a deeply internalized belief of realizing Sino–Japanese structural stability dependent on the US factor). Furthermore, the perception gap between China and the US toward Japan would be a dangerous catalyst in contributing to the formation of misperception among them. Yun Zhang presents the necessity of shifting from a structure-generated perception equilibrium to an autonomous equilibrium by realizing a paradigm change of reducing the US factor in Sino–Japanese mutual perception formation for a sustainable stability.