ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the main actors in the Asia-Pacific region with which the People's Republic of China (PRC) interacts: Taiwan, North Korea, Japan and the US. The PRC has developed extensive economic linkages with its Asia-Pacific neighbours, which has not only made China the centripetal economic force in the region, but has also transformed Asia into a global production powerhouse. US–Chinese rapprochement from 1971 politically and diplomatically isolated the Republic of China (ROC). Throughout most of the Mao era, Japan adopted a position of 'uncertainty' on jurisdiction over Taiwan. China continues to dispute the legality of the peace treaty signed between Japan and the ROC government at the conclusion of the Second World War. Moreover, China consistently raises objections to official contacts between Japanese governments and the Taipei regime. China remains North Korea's most important partner, supplying the regime with significant material support.