The Rise of China, Japan and the Parameters of the Policy Response

Abstract

Much has been written on the Sino–Japanese relationship. Although troubled, the Sino–Japanese relationship is both of great promise and significance globally. Indeed, if historical distrust were to be put aside, these two powers between them would effectively lead Asia in a manner similar to France and Germany. That is however a big if, and to understand why, this book now turns to an explanation of how the rise of China is impacting on Japan. To do so, this chapter will first overview China's rise in absolute terms, that is, looking at how China itself has changed. Next, it will address how this rise has impacted on Japan, demonstrating the speed and extent of China's rise relative to Japan in the region. Finally, this chapter will discuss how Japanese foreign policy–making process itself has changed over time.