ABSTRACT
One of China’s most complex bilateral relationships is with Japan, as a result of the latter’s aggression against China until 1945 (the ‘history issue’), the differences of their political systems, the impact of both being in different camps during the Cold War, and conflicting national interests, such as regional leadership and disputed borders. Yet, cultural communalities, shared political and economic interests and Japan’s alliance with the USA have—in often convoluted ways—kept the peace between them and allowed them greatly to benefit from their bilateral relationship. However, relations have always been on a roller-coaster and this is not going to change in the foreseeable future.
