Japan and China: Rivalry or Cooperation in East Asia?

Japan and China share an age-old history of cultural, social, and economic interaction. In the last two decades links between the two giants of East Asia - especially economic links - have flourished. But behind the faade pressures are emerging. China's growing strength, Taiwan's desire for independence, and the reassertion of US strategic interests in the Asia Pacific region, contribute to these pressures, straining the fragile balance in Sino-Japanese relations. Memories of the Japanese occupation of China during the Second World War linger - an outward sign that for the relationship between China and Japan to flourish more than economically, new common ground has to be found politically. Japan and rivalry or cooperation in East Asia examines the foundations of the relationship, the pressures shaping it, its future, the difficulties between two powerful and independent neighbours and the impact of their relationship on the region and the world.