Greater China and Japan

This insightful exploration of Sino-Japanese relations highlights their complex history and the implications for Asia's future, as articulated in Greater China and Japan.

In this compact and student-friendly textbook, Robert Taylor delves into the complex relationship between Greater China and Japan, emphasizing its significance for the future of Asia in the twenty-first century. The author highlights how historical contexts, particularly the differing responses to Western colonialism in the mid-nineteenth century and the lingering effects of the Cold War, have shaped contemporary interactions between these two regions. This backdrop of mutual suspicion is evident, with China wary of a potential Japanese military resurgence and Japan concerned about China's economic rise and territorial claims.

Taylor acknowledges the underlying mistrust that characterizes Sino-Japanese relations but also identifies potential benefits arising from this traditionally adversarial dynamic. He notes that China is currently drawing inspiration from Japan's economic development strategies, despite having its own unique policies and institutional frameworks. This analysis underscores the complexities of their relationship, revealing that while competition exists, there are also opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

Greater China and Japan further investigates the trend toward sub-regional integration, suggesting that the rivalry between these two powers is evolving into competition among broader regional economic blocks and corporate entities. This exploration is crucial for understanding not only the bilateral relationship but also the broader implications for regional stability and economic development in Asia as a whole.