ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on Sino-Japanese relationship. It examines the economic basis of Sino-Japanese relations, in order both to highlight the problems that have beset Sino-Japanese economic relations and to evaluate the achievements. The book then analyses the political relationship, with particular attention being paid to the historical superiority-inferiority syndrome and whether it still exists between the two countries. It also considers how far contentious issues such as Taiwan and the growth in the Japanese defence budget are likely to be allowed to disrupt relations. The book discusses the military and geostrategic issues from the point of view of military cooperation and the current shifts in the regional and global balance of power. It then summarizes the main trends that have evolved in Sino-Japanese relations since 1978 and discusses how the relationship may develop over the next decade.
