The recent tension between China and Japan is not by accident, but represents the historic changes of mutual relations in the past 100 years. It is not only a crucial turning point that China has a dominant power in China-Japan relations when both countries are committed to becoming great powers, but also the new situation East Asia faces in 60 years after World War II. The conflicts between China and Japan are actually collisions at the turning point, which can be considered as the temporary tension that occurs in the formation of new China-Japan relations and East Asia order.
From the first Sino-Japanese War to World War II, Japan dominated the China-Japan relations. However, the dominant power has been transferred in the 60 years after World War II. From the founding of new China to the resumption of China-Japan diplomatic ties in 1972, China has been politically independent. The path and achievements of political development with Chinese characteristics shock Japan and provide a basis for China’s dominance in its relation with Japan. In the past 30 years of reform and opening up, China has overtaken Japan in economic aggregate, achieved dominance in the interdependent relation, taken lead in comprehensive national strength and international status, and been on the road to assume complete dominance in the China-Japan relations.
The twists and turns of China-Japan relations in the last 20 years, especially the recent tension, can be mainly attributed to the collision of appeals and paths of the two countries striving to become great powers.
First, China moves forward and Japan falls behind in economy. Influenced by economic recession, imbalance of political mentality and the traditional thought that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it becomes strong, Japan is suspicious of and vigilant against China, instead of promoting cooperation between the two countries.
