ABSTRACT
In order to realise the Asian Century, it is crucial for China and Japan to build a good relationship. Unfortunately, as the international system is moving towards multi-polarity, the China–Japan relation has deteriorated since the 1990s. The U.S.–Japan alliance resulted in an unequal trilateral relationship among the U.S., Japan, and China. Historical issues and the emotional complexity between China and Japan hinder the restoration of the China–Japan relation. The absence of a healthy China–Japan relation makes the Asian Century less likely. Neither is a China Century likely due to its unique political system. We propose a way out of this conundrum. First, Japan should become a normal country. Second, China, Japan, Korea, and India must cooperate in the development of new geopolitical architecture in Asia. Finally, China and Japan should have a comprehensive bilateral arrangement for financial, political and security issues.
