Japanese national interests and the Sino-Japanese peace and friendship treaty

Abstract

"The signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship opened a new era in Japanese foreign policy. By improving relations with Peking, Tokyo gained the latitude of action necessary to play a central role in creating a pattern of regional stability compatible with Japan's national interests in security, prosperity, and prestige. The decision to sign the treaty underscores the determining influence these traditional national interests have on dichotomy between Japan's culturally induced xenophobic proclivities and its economic needs for greater access to foreign raw materials. Reflecting Japan's departure from its post World War I1 international reticence, the Peace and Friendship Treaty, as a function of national interests, is a useful analytical tool for assessing the impact of a more vigorous Japanese foreign policy on the Sino-Soviet dispute, the application of the Nixon Doctrine, the stability of Southeast Asia, the reunification of Korea, the future of Taiwan and the allocation of resource rights in the East China Sea."--p.i