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Abstract

Since the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations in 1972, mutually-beneficial economic and trade interdependence has been growing. However, a stable economic relationship has failed to eradicate fluctuating hostility in Sino-Japanese diplomacy. Conflicting historical narratives through war revisionism, growing nationalistic sentiment, and maritime sovereignty disputes threaten to undermine this economic relationship. Upon examining the historical context for Sino-Japanese relations and reoccurring points of revisionist contention, it is evident that this complex relationship has been fluctuating between cordial and hostile for several centuries. Both states struggled to reconcile their respective national identities with the changing conditions of the international environment. However, the fundamental constant within Sino-Japanese relations that has largely transcended political hostility is the economic dynamic. This has resulted in the popular turn of phrase hot in economics, cold in politics used by scholars to illustrate an interdependence paradox that describes growing economic and trade relations amidst unstable and hostile political relations. An analysis of these trends from 1972 to the modern day recognises this characterisation as an oversimplification of a complex and multifaceted relationship. Ultimately, a key question can be posed: to what extent are contemporary Sino-Japanese relations marked by political hostility?

Course: International Relations and Politics - BA (Hons) - C0694

Date Deposited: 2024-01-12

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14279.html