ABSTRACT
The prevailing opinion in Japan seemed to be that China and Japan would profit from Japanese assistance to the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s industrialization. The PRC, of course, for reasons of its past pre-eminence and present pride, wants much to be taken seriously as an economic competitor and a military power. In 1979, the Japanese government became upset when the PRC tried to cancel or postpone several already-concluded trade agreements when China experienced financial difficulties as a result of an expensive military foray into Vietnam. The PRC claimed the right to "adopt all necessary measures to prevent and stop the harmful passage of vessels through its territorial waters" and for "PRC warships or military aircraft to expel the intruders". Japan's 1995 Defense White Paper, released in the spring, reported the military buildup by the PRC and North Korea. While a military confrontation between the PRC and Japan is certainly possible, it would appear to be unlikely in the future.
