The Koreas Between China and Japan

Abstract

Most discussions pertaining to the nuclear proliferation and reunification issues on the Korean Peninsula privilege the position and role played by the United States. In the first volume of its kind, this collection of essays presents the challenges faced by the Koreas against the context of the changing relations between China and Japan. Strategically nestled between these political giants, the Korean Peninsula has traditionally been “seen” as a sphere of influence by Tokyo and Beijing. Regardless of the escalating difficulties in recent Sino-Japanese relations, this volume argues that avoiding all-out conflict and ensuring a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula are certainly strategic goals that both China and Japan still share. Neither China nor Japan wishes to be dragged into a war started by North Korean belligerence, South Korean aspirations or American adventurism. However, despite alternating between political pressure and diplomatic efforts, Japan and China have found it extremely difficult to guide the tone and direction of politics in intra-Korea affairs. Conversely, both South and North Korea have been extremely adept at fending off any perceived attempts to influence their domestic and foreign policies. Pyongyang and Seoul have shown remarkable political gumption and diplomatic skill, not only resisting Great Power influences but even managing to advance their political agendas in this very tempestuous neighbourhood. One fundamental question this volume addresses is whether the developments on the Korean Peninsula could and should be considered independently from developments in Sino-Japanese relations. Through addressing different dimensions of the interaction between the Koreas, China and Japan in the 21st Century, this volume makes a valuable contribution to study of the international relations of Northeast Asia.