Why Japan–China ties are fraying: Hawks, history and disputed islands

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Overview

A diplomatic feud with China sparked by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan has underscored the fragility of ties between the key trading partners. Historical grievances and territorial disputes have added to the strain.

Historical Context

Japanese troops carried out mass murder, rape and looting in Nanjing for about six weeks from the end of 1937, a period of brutal Japanese occupation in the Second Sino-Japanese War that was part of World War II. Tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people were killed in the massacre.

Diplomatic Relations

Tokyo normalised diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1972 but relations are still dogged by historical issues. More than 10,000 people protested in Beijing after Tokyo approved revisionist textbooks in 2005, hurling rocks and eggs at the Japanese embassy. Takaichi has not commented publicly on the Nanjing massacre since becoming premier last month, but she questioned the official Chinese death toll of 300,000 in a 2004 blog. Long seen as a China hawk, she has also been a regular visitor to a shrine that honours Japan’s war dead — including those guilty of crimes in World War II – although she has not visited since taking over. China terms such visits as “serious provocations”.

Contemporary Tensions

The friction reflects broader regional dynamics, where historical grievances intersect with current security and economic concerns. The China–Japan relationship is influenced by contested territorial issues, economic interdependence, and shifting geopolitical alignments, including Japan’s close ties to the United States.

Authoritative Summary of Context

AFP examines the issues at the heart of their complicated relationship, highlighting how historical grievances, wartime memory, and contemporary disputes over territory and Taiwan shape Japan–China ties.

Key Points

Historical grievances persist, notably the 1937–38 Nanjing Massacre and wartime memory.
Diplomatic ties were normalized in 1972, but strains linger over history and territory.
Domestic actions in Japan (textbook revisions) and visits to war-related shrines fuel Chinese protests and diplomatic tension.
Recent comments on Taiwan by a Japanese leader sparked renewed controversy and highlighted fragility in bilateral relations.

Contextual Notes

China’s response to visits and statements related to war-time issues often frames them as provocations, influencing public sentiment and diplomatic signaling. Economic and security considerations, including regional alignments and disputes over East China Sea islands, continue to complicate engagement between the two nations.

Author’s Resume

Analytical synthesis of the fraying Japan–China relationship, emphasizing history, territorial disputes, and Taiwan-related tensions with concise framing for readers.

Malay Mail — 2025-11-18