Resurgent Nationalism and Changing Security Perceptions in Contemporary Japan-China Relations

Abstract. This paper discusses the impact of resurgent nationalism on contemporary Japan-China security relations. It argues that rising domestic nationalist pressure as a result of “structural changes ” in the bilateral relationship has instigated both Japan and China to re-evaluate their strategic perceptions and concerns toward each other in recent years. Indeed, the revival of nationalism against the backdrop of changing power dynamics in their bilateral ties have widened their “perception gap”, and exacerbated mutual suspicion and rivalry. Such developments have contributed to recent assertiveness and shifts in their mutual security policies that are fuelling a potential Japanese-Chinese security dilemma/arms race. Although few predict violent conflict between Japan and China, this paper contends that domestic nationalist pressure is increasingly constraining both governments ’ pragmatic policy-options, especially when managing bilateral issues of nationalistic persuasions that persistently haunt diplomatic relations