On September 29, 1972, Japan issued a joint statement to announce that “Japan Government recognized the People’s Republic of China Government is the sole legitimate Government of China”, China and Japan to achieve a normalization, then opened a new chapter in Sino-Japanese relations, Japan Government’s China policy has undergone fundamental changes. Recalling 30 years Japan evolution and development of economic and trade policy toward China, overall, Japan is a positive development of Sino-Japanese economic and trade policy, but take different measures in different periods, and in accordance with its own economic interests, combined with changes in the international situation and the ongoing adjustment.
Launching independent diplomacy under Japan’s China policy
Enter in the 1970 of the 20th century, Japan’s rapid economic development after the war, has become a world economic power, economic power greatly increased, with the growth of economic strength, Japan Foreign Affairs launched the Japan-US relationship based axis independent diplomacy. In fact, in the 20th century, 60 in Japan foreign typical swing in “leaning on the United States” and implemented between independent diplomacy, when the United States seek profit, “leaning on the United States”; when to seek profit in China, and practicing independent diplomacy. Early late 60 to 70, United States began to adjust its China policy, in particular the “Nixon shocks”, prompting Japan to adjust China’s foreign policy, implementation independent diplomacy. On July 7, 1972, the day of Kakuei Tanaka Cabinet, in a cabinet meeting for the first time, we present “in terms of diplomacy, to step up efforts to achieve and People’s Republic of China the normalization, to vigorously promote peace diplomacy in the turbulent world situation”, “China’s problems is the largest diplomatic problem.” After normalization, Japan to China’s economic and trade policies are mainly to the country’s national interests for the sake of pushing forward the Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations. Under the guidance of this policy, 1974-1975 had concluded agreements on trade, aviation and fishing. 1978-1979 and in the conclusion of the peace and friendship treaty, the Japan long-term trade agreement and other files, and starts providing yen loans for the first time agreed on by the Japanese side.
In this period, although Japan tried to implement independent diplomacy, but still very much were United States influence on China policy. In the late 1970 of the 20th century, the United States for the purpose of United anti-Soviet, in the Sino-Japanese relations, support China’s policy, Japan in economic and trade policies had to take a positive attitude toward China, especially in Japan loans to China to show more obvious. October 17, 1979, when Japan-us consultations in Washington’s assistance to China, Japan and the United States appear divided and United States requirements stipulate that Japan providing yen loans to China “without conditions attached”. This Japan Ministry objected last in the United States under the pressure, Japan had to agree “in principle there are no additional requirements” [1].
Is also in Japan adopt a positive policy on China and the United States, supported by development of Sino-Japanese trade relations have developed rapidly. 1980-year Sino-Japanese trade reached $ 8.91 billion, compared to $ 1.04 billion in 1972 when establishing diplomatic relations and the growth of nearly 9 times (table-1). Trade development in China and Japan during this period of the most successful period, most of the growth rate in more than two digits.
Table -1:70 era in Sino-Japanese trade import and export
(Amount: millions of dollars)
Import and export of China on foreign trade from China to Japan, China-Japan growth
Year total proportion of the total growth rate of the growth rate of exports imports
1972 10.4 4.1 6.3
1973 8.4 104.9 76.2
1974 11.4 35.7 78.4
1975 14 22.8 20.7
12.2-12.9 1976 30.4-20.0 18.2-23.8
1977 34.7 14.1 13.6 11.5 21.1
1978 48.2 38.9 17.2 26.5 31.1
1979 27.6 60.5 26.7
1980 92 24.3 40.3 46 31.2
Source: Ministry of statistics
Second, in the 1980 of the 20th century Japan on China trade policy
After the 80 ‘s, Japan launched from “economic power” to “political power” diplomatic strategy, economic and trade policy toward China has inherited 70 ‘s China policy, but politics intensified, have a tendency to politicize the economic.
In December 1979, the Soviet troops to Afghanistan, US-Soviet cold war further upgraded, driving in China, Japan and the United States combined with the Soviet Union officially formed the Strategy pattern. It should be noted that unite against Japan and the US and the Soviet Union and in non-stable political base. United States, as long as the conditions it still wishes to pursue a balance between the Sino-Soviet strategies unduly profit at the Japan don’t want excessive stimulation the Soviet Union. After 1982, China and Japan and the United States distance, independent of any superpowers to establish a strategic alliance to implement different diplomatic line. Nevertheless, the United States still regard the independence of China as its important force in militarily countering the Soviet Union. In the US-Soviet cold war relations, Japan and America have complex effects. Technology exports to China, for example, because the United States today there are still considerable control, Japan’s technology exports to China to promote or suppress. From the positive side, in early 1980, United States requested Japan further restrictions on the export of Soviet technology at the same time, advocate relaxation of restrictions on exports to China. In 1983, the United States agreed to relax the restrictions on exports to China, especially relax the limit of 7 kinds of dual-use items. United States technology exports to China have increased. But after the events of 1987 Toshiba, Japan Government prohibits not only Toshiba company 35 contracts with China, but also delayed approval of other Japanese firms signed a 900 million dollar contract with the Chinese, once seriously affected Japan technology exports to China.
In the 1980 of the 20th century latter half, structural changes in the international strategic situation began to Japan triangular relationship between Japan and the us in the Foreign Affairs and had a far-reaching impact. First, the rapid decline of economic strength of the Soviet Union, which led to United States in May 1989 the Super curb concept. Secondly, as 1985-1987 in Japan as the world’s biggest creditor nation and the United States became the world’s largest debtor countries, “Japan threat” in the United States rapidly on the rise. Third, China’s rise began affecting the United States and Japan’s foreign strategy formulation. In such a large international environment, the objective conditions of Sino-Japanese relations have changed, both Japan’s China policy objective basis for the adjustment, and Sino-Japanese relations entered a new stage of development of the basic mark.
Overview of Japan in the 1980 of the 20th century’s China policy can be summed up as borrowing on the political status of China to expand Japan’s political influence, but under the influence of China and the Soviet large; economic support to China’s economic development, but under the influence of political relations between larger, resulting in slow development of Sino-Japanese economic and trade, import and export trade in China and Japan also fell in some years (table-2).
Table -2:80 era in Sino-Japanese trade import and export
(Amount: millions of dollars)
Import and export to China China China
Years total trade Japan growth Japan growth
The proportion of the total amount amount
1981 46 14.1 4.1
Of 1982 87.6-12.2 21.1 39.0-27.5
1983 44.6-8.2 46.2
1984 53.5 20 59.5
1985 56.1 4.9 46.9
43.6-22.3 1986 138.6-15.6 95.0-12.3
1987 131.6-5.1 15.9 72.4-23.8
1988 72.9 23.1 1.4
1989 146.6 13.1 81.5 65.2-11.2
1990 90.1 10.6 16.4
Source: Yearbook of China foreign trade and economic
80 Japan’s China policy summed up mainly on the following characteristics:
Political: (1) gradually improve Sino-Japanese relations in Japan’s position in foreign policy. 70 Japan is pursued by the independent foreign policy toward China, China Japan in minor positions in the diplomatic. 80, China Japan diplomatic position of greatly improving, was only used for United States or in a reference to the ASEAN-Japanese relations, referred to as “Japan pillars of diplomacy”, recognizes the importance of China.
(2) as Sino-Japanese friendly relations was Japan organic component of the comprehensive security strategy. Since the mid 80, Japan economic strength in the advancement of the global economy, actively seeking to expand their political voice. To this end, Japan while relying on the “Japan-us Alliance”, from the containment of Soviet political, military, and also through “friendship” to raise with the United States dealing status. That is, Japan to do political powers, both have political influence in the world of neighbor China maintains a good relationship is crucial. Meanwhile, the Sino-Japanese relations is Japan one basis of diplomacy in Asia. Good Sino-Japanese relations is conducive to peace in Asia, in particular the stability on the Korean peninsula, to Japan deepen relations with Southeast Asia between. If the Sino-Japanese relations worsen, is bound to lead Japan Asian diplomatic defeat. Sino-Japanese relations are often on Japan domestic Council greater impact.
Economic and trade, Japan to economic cooperation as the Foundation, through economic cooperation to achieve certain strategic intentions: (1) through economic cooperation, where appropriate enhance China’s economic strength, make it a natural barrier against the Soviet Union threat. Japan believes that Chinese economic instability leads to political instability, with back to the might of the Soviet Union, Chinese economic stability conducive to maintaining the Soviet Union in the existing “no war” relationship. Japan will be able to contend with the strength of China and the Soviet Union. Therefore, Japan denounce the majority opinion of the Government, decided to mass yen loans to China. Implemented first Yen loan from 1979 to 1984, loans amounting to 330.9 billion yen, arranged a total of 7 projects; the second group of yen loans from 1984 to 1989 implementation, a total of 17 projects, loan agreement amounting to 540 billion yen (includes Black flow of 70 billion yen loans, mainly for export-oriented enterprises). First batch of loans and the first half of the second batch of loans, loans are mainly used for transport, communications and infrastructure projects such as hydroelectric power, such as the expansion project of Beijing-Qinhuangdao railway, extension project of Qinhuangdao coal terminal, expansion project of Hengyang railway to Guangzhou, Lianyungang and expansion project of Qingdao port, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou SPC project, project of tianshengqiao hydropower station, five water power station project. At present, has become China’s largest coal loading port of Qinhuangdao Harbor.
From the second half of the second batch (1988), some have started using the yen loans for urban infrastructure projects, such as the Beijing Subway, Beijing gaobeidian sewage treatment plant, Beijing, Tianjin, Xian, Chongqing and other urban water supply and gas supply projects.
(2) to Western China through economic cooperation. May 1981, Suzuki Prime Minister in United States clear said: “We hope see China is a open of national, hope see China continues to take cooperation of attitude, must keep China as Western Union of a member”, and “to maintained China and Western of relationship support China modernization policy, continues to for economic cooperation”, to “through economic aspects of assistance to China pull came, makes of became economic to Western open of national”.
(3) strengthening of economic cooperation, the jump in Chinese market. As China’s reform and opening up, Japan is deeply attracted by this huge market in China. Rich in natural resources and cheap labor in China and Japan combination of capital and technology has enormous potential. In Japan and Europe and the economic circumstances of the ongoing friction, Japan felt the importance of close economic cooperation with China. During this period, Japan’s direct investment in China grew fairly rapidly, but the wave growth. In 1990 Japan’s direct investment in China compared with 1983, increase 6.4 times the number contract amount increase 4.6 times, increase 2.7 times the amount actually used (table-3).
Table -3:80 Japan’s direct investment in China
(Amount: millions of dollars)
Year project number contract amount of foreign funds actually used foreign capital growth rate (%)
1979-1982 5 0.81–
1983 52 0.95 1.86
1984 138 2.25 21
1985 127 3.15 40
1986 94 2.63-16.5
1987 113 2.20-16.3
1988 237 2.76 5.15
1989 294 3.56-30.9
1990 341 4.57 5.03
Total 1401 32.85
Source: Ministry of foreign investment statistics
Third, in the 1990 of the 20th century Japan on China trade policy
1989, US-Soviet cold war, the international situation has undergone profound changes. Powers is intensified adjusting their foreign policy. United States struggling to maintain its superpower status and play “world leadership”; Russia economic restructuring, recovery “world power status”; Japan proposed the establishment of “Japan and the United States and Europe three systems” concept, accelerate to “political powers” goal. On September 13, 1994, the Japan Government officially announced that it will seek to become a permanent member of the Council, on September 27, Japan Foreign Minister Yohei Kono delivered speeches at the 49 session of the General Assembly, called for modifying the Charter of the United Nations, removing the “old enemy clauses”. This speech became Japan full acceleration of political power, “a manifesto”. In the international background of the changed circumstances, Sino-Japanese friendly relations between the two countries a great change in objective conditions. After the 90 ‘s, a change in their respective development strategies of China and Japan. Determine the development strategies of establishing the Socialist market economic system in China, gained rapid economic development, become one of the fastest growing countries in the world economy. Japan is firmly grasp the international relationship between the old and new pattern into line with its strategic adjustment of State of this historical opportunity, accelerate towards political power. Late 90 ‘s to the early 21st century, is extremely important period in China and Japan. In the process of China’s economic development strategy, are in a more open attitude towards the world. Japan in the process of achieving the objective of political power, while recognizing the “Japan become a political power, is essential for the normalization of relations between Japan and China on the real”. [2] the other hand, also by the political standards and values of its own to deal with Sino-Japanese relations. Japan wary of China’s economic development, in the eyes of some Japanese, are the objectives of political powers Japan and the increasingly powerful China in the economic difficulties in maintaining friendly relations like the past, that “after China has enhanced its economic strength, to desire in the international community to increase the voice of Japan, will no doubt become a friend out of pure
Good object exists in the category of Japan and China entered the era of friction. “[3] there is no doubt that change of strength comparison between China and Japan in Japan have a significant impact on China trade policy.
In the 1990 of the 20th century, Japan’s policy adjustment in China August 1991 Ama is the starting point of the Prime Minister’s visit to China. Ama is the Prime Minister to China in Western developed countries to implement the so-called “sanctions” have not cancel a visit to China in the context of. As “64″ affair developed after the first heads of Government to visit China, sea and seize the favorable opportunity, Sino-Japanese youth center in Beijing issued a document entitled “Japan-China relationship in the world” speech. He was first proposed in his speech “the Japan-China relationship in the world” concept, has caused Japan and China’s great concern. The Tokyo Shimbun published an article that “sea Department of the Prime Minister’s speech in Beijing, features are future-oriented, and stressed that relations between Japan and China from a global perspective”. [4] following the sea of Japan the previous Cabinet affirmed and basically inherited the “Japan-China relationship in the world” this approach. To fine Sichuan nursing Hee headed of Japan Coalition Government ruling Hou, in stressed “Japan-China relationship and day beauty relationship on Japan equal important of while, will” common in arms management, and disarmament, and protection Earth, international social by faced of various problem Shang actively do contribution “as future Japan-China relationship should through direction of first article, to from” global angle “consider Japan-China relationship placed in priority of status [5], also reflected has to established” world in the of Japan-China relationship “of basic policy.
“Japan-China relationship in the world” three changes including two major coordination and basic content. “Two coordination” which is the development of relations between Japan and China and the world of big changes in the situation and establish a new international order is coordinated in background, with the Japan International objectives of coordination of the political powers. “Three changes” is a change of standpoint, that relations between Japan and China from the past based on the bilateral relations between the two countries into a foothold in the Asia-Pacific region and indeed the entire world. Second, change of the Sino-Japanese exchanges content, that is dominated by economic relations in the past both by changes in economic, political, to overcome past “economic initiative”, “political passivity” situation, changing the past “only emphasized to reflect on the war and economic cooperation” policies towards China, diplomatic penalties on China’s politics. Three is the change of status, that is, from a relatively passive position in the bilateral relationship in the past into bilateral relations between strive to master the dominance.
Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations are also in the 1990 of the 20th century it is in this international and Japan under the adjustment of the foreign policy situation, has changed. Mainly for the following aspects: (1) continue to develop Sino-Japanese trade relations, expanding exports to China, which led Japan economic recovery. Since the beginning of the 90 ‘s, Japan economy remains depressed state. China’s economy has maintained rapid growth, in stark contrast with it. Japan Government to promote the development of their economies, quickening the development of trade with China, trade between China and Japan during this period have achieved rapid development. In 2000, the import and export trade in China and Japan reached $ 83.17 billion, breaking the mark of US $ 80 billion for the first time, record (table-4). But while in the development of Sino-Japanese trade, we must also soberly recognize Japan technology trade to China, the Government is still very conservative, limiting some high-tech exports to China. The late 90 ‘s, increasing trade frictions between China and Japan.
Table -4:90 era in Sino-Japanese trade import and export
(Amount: millions of dollars)
Import and export to China China China
Years total trade Japan growth Japan growth
The proportion of the total amount amount
1991 102.2 15.2 147
1992 116.8 14.3 34.6
1993 390.6 54 20 35.1
1994 215.7 36.7 13.1
1995 574.7 20 20.5 31.9 290
1996 308.7 8.5 0.6
1997 608.1 18.7 289.9-0.7
296.9-6.7 1998 579.0-4.8 282.1-2.7
1999 324 9.2 19.4
2000 416.5 28.5 22.9
Total 5181.5——2541.4–2639.7–
Source: Ministry of statistics
(2), Japan’s direct investment in China began to grow steadily, peaked in 1997, subsequently has been declining. In terms of direct investment on China, Japan adopted a policy is encouraged and limits. Entered 90 generation Hou, Japan enterprise on China directly investment began appears climax, face this situation, Japan Government take has encourages sunset industry on China investment, Government in handling procedures, and insurance aspects given support, on high-tech industry on China of investment, is take both not encourages and not limit of measures, cause Japan enterprise in on China directly investment aspects appears climax, 1997 Japan on China directly investment reached peak, amount for 4.33 billion dollars. After 1997, because of the influence of the Asian financial crisis, Japan’s direct investment in China, Japan began the Government limitations on some high-tech industry investment to China and later began to fall in 2000, Japan’s direct investment in China decreased to $ 2.9 billion (table-5), China’s utilization of foreign capital in the same year 7.2%.
Table 5: Japan’s investment in China Development
(Amount: millions of dollars)
Year project number contract amount of foreign funds actually used foreign capital growth rate (%)
1991 599 8.12
1992 1805 7.1 33.2
1993 3,488 29.6 13.24
1994 3,018 44.4 56.7
1995 2,946 31.08 49.8
1996 1742 51.31 18.4
1997 1402 43.26
1998 1198 34.00-21.4
1999 1167 29.73-12.6
2000 1614 29.16-1.9
Total 18,979 355.3
Source: Ministry of foreign investment statistics
(3), Japan began to adjust its China ODA policy, began to reduce the amount of ODA to China. Japan from the beginning of the fourth Yen loan adjustment of yen loans to China, the five-year plan was changed to “3+2″; the project is also gradually reduce infrastructure projects, increased environmental and Western areas of the project. Since 2000, Japan said the Government began to reduce the amount of ODA to China.
Four, 21st century Japan on China trade strategy
Entering the 21st century, China’s economy maintained a rapid growth trend, and began to implement “15″. 2001 China finally came into the World Trade Organization’s desire to become a full member of the World Trade Organization. In nearly 20 years, China has maintained a 10% average annual economic growth rate, economy of scale has firmly held the seventh place in the world. Many people think that, in accordance with such momentum, economy of scale in around 2020, China will surpass Japan to become the world’s economic giants, second. Japan economy just at this time as opposed to China’s economic development, is still in a downturn, economic continuous negative growth. It is against this background, many Japanese proposed a “China threat theory”. But whether Japan domestic kind of arguments and ideas, Japanese economic and trade relations will continue to develop in the 21st century, Japan China trade policies continue to be led by the development of Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations. Continue to develop Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations is not only the needs of economic development of the two countries, also meets the needs of economic development in Asia and the world.
First of all, East Asian political and economic situation of Sino-Japanese friendship and cooperation of the special mission was given. After the end of the cold war, improvement in the security environment in East Asia, Sino-Japanese friendship with a more favourable environment for economic and trade cooperation. Patterns of political change and economic development in East Asia has become the major development issues and objective realities of countries, need to assume some common responsibilities in China and Japan. Sino-Japanese relations, become an important factor for peace and development in Asia. Therefore, China and Japan should establish just and reasonable in East Asia, the overall situation of peace, stability of the new order, strengthen consultations, mutual assistance, to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
Second, the integration needs of Asian regional economic cooperation between China and Japan to work together to achieve. Enter in the 1990 of the 20th century, the rapid development of economic globalization, while also obtained the rapid development of regional economic integration, and enhanced. In Europe, the EU had completed currency unification, to develop in depth; NAFTA also advancing rapidly, and have each won the larger interests of Member States. In Asia, although the ASEAN free trade area and is expected to completed within ten years of China-ASEAN free trade area, there is no real sense, and be able to compete with European Union, the North American free trade area of the regional organization for economic cooperation and to regional economic cooperation organizations such required by China and Japan to attend and play a major role, otherwise it is not possible. Completion of the East Asian regional economic cooperation organizations or not, relates to the formation of the future world economic situation and economic development in the region. Therefore, the objective demand in China and Japan must strengthen their cooperation.
Third, our respective economic development needs in each other. Japan has become an important trade partner, high degree of dependence of bilateral economic and trade relations. 2001 Sino-Japanese trade reached $ 87.75 billion import and export, 17.2% per cent of total foreign trade in China, Japan 10% is more than the proportion of the total foreign trade. 2002-June, the Sino-Japanese trade imports and exports reached US $ 44.78 billion, covers 16.5% of China’s total import and export. Japan imported US $ 23.1 billion, an increase of 10%, stirred up Japan economy recovery; Japan amount of actual investment in China reached US $ 2.05 billion, an increase of 8.8%, China’s share of foreign capital actually used 8.3%.
On the future development of Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations, by linear regression equation predicting drawn: our trade volume will reach approximately US $ 130 billion in 2005, Japan’s actual investment in China reached US $ 6 billion; our trade volume will reach $ 180 billion in 2010, Japan’s investment in China reached approximately US $ 8.5 billion [6].
Economic and trade relations between China and Japan from the above figures, we can see, China’s economic development needs of Japan, Japan economic development also needs China.
Based on the above analysis, I believe that 21st century Japan on China trade policy orientation: in the area of trade, continues to develop trade relations between the two countries, expand Japan exports to China, Japan economic recovery services. But trade friction will increase in investment, Japan corporate direct investment in China will also continue to increase Japan Government policy change in ODA to China, continue to reduce the amount of ODA to China, on economic cooperation with China will also maintain regional stability to a normal economic situation of the cold war cooperation.