A neoclassical-realist analysis of Japan’s stance on cross-strait relations
Journal Title: Stosunki Międzynarodowe – International Relations - Year 2023, Vol 2, Issue 25
Abstract
Since 1972, Tokyo has maintained official diplomatic relations with Beijing, while stressing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Based on governmental documents and decision-makers’ political declarations, this article examines Japan’s approach towards cross-strait relations since the 1990s. It applies the perspective of neoclassical realism by analyzing both the international determinants (independent variables) and the domestic factors (intervening variables) behind Tokyo’s approach to ‘One China’ policy. The article tries to answer the question why different Japanese governments reacted in various ways to cross-strait frictions and rapprochement. It is argued that the level of Tokyo’s involvement in the Taiwan problem was dependent both on international and domestic factors. Growing concerns about China’s military buildup, coupled with a gradual demise of pro-Beijing faction in the Liberal Democratic Party, pushed Japan towards containing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while ameliorating relations with Taipei. As Sino-Japanese relations deteriorated, Tokyo became less inclined to lecture Taiwan against provoking Beijing and more willing to support Taipei’s international initiatives. At the same time, Japan started perceiving cross-strait rapprochement not only as a factor stabilizing the regional security system, but also as a potential threat to national security.
Authors and Affiliations
Karol Zakowski
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP713764
- DOI 10.12688/stomiedintrelat.17590.2
- Views 44
- Downloads 1
The transition to nuclear energy in Bangladesh: The interplay between climate-related urgency and geopolitical factors
One of the significant issues in contemporary international politics is to examine the contexts of energy usage of different countries, keeping in mind the looming climate threat. Energy transition not only highlights th...
The fog of enlargement and the agony of accession: the European Union and Serbia in the light of a reform document
The 2009 public debt crisis onset triggered a fundamental constitutional transformation of the European Union (EU). What is the link between this transformation and the enlargement policy? The authors of the article seek...
Democracy and free market? Doubtful conditionality of U.S. economic incentives toward sub-Saharan Africa (2018-2021)
Background This article examines the use of economic incentives by the United States to support its main foreign policy objectives in sub-Saharan African countries. It offers an empirical survey based on available data...
Dynamics of EU Central and Eastern European donors’ development cooperation
The article deals with both qualitative and quantitative aspects of development assistance provided by the 11 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries that are members of the European Union (EU). The aim is to answer...
Examining the systemic realities of India in the US-backed Indo-Pacific Strategy
This paper examines India's role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). The first section discusses China's rise and the threat perceptions that led the U.S. to adopt the IPS. The main objectives of the IPS are discuss...