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Identity Tensions and China-Japan-Korea Relations: Can Peace be Maintained in North East Asia?

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Identity, Trust, and Reconciliation in East Asia

Part of the book series: Rethinking Peace and Conflict Studies ((RCS))

Abstract

The roots of the volatile relationships between Japan and China, and Japan and Korea, lie in their changing self-identity and perceived identity of each other. Recently, all three countries have been involved in a process of intense identity construction, which reflects a re-evaluation of their self-identity and the identity of their perceived rivals. They view each other’s efforts to construct a potent national identity as a challenge to their own identity formation. These identity tensions are closely linked to their current political positions and future aspirations. To break out of their “identity dilemma,” China, Japan and Korea need to make a greater effort to construct more positive national identities that are not underpinned by negative collective memory and a victim mentality.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For a perceptive analysis of Japan’s apologies, see Yamazaki (2006).

  2. 2.

    See, for example, National Institute for Defense Studies (2013), Ministry of Defence (2016).

  3. 3.

    See Li (2009): chs. 6 and 7.

  4. 4.

    See, for example, Pan (2010), Yu (2010), Cai (2010).

  5. 5.

    See the discussion in Li (2009): ch. 4.

  6. 6.

    See the analysis in Li (1999), Li (2010).

  7. 7.

    For an excellent analysis of the complexity of various notions of Korean national identity, see Moon (2012).

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  1. Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK

    Rex Li

  2. Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    Rex Li

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  1. National Centre for Peace & Conflict Stu, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

    Kevin P Clements

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Li, R. (2018). Identity Tensions and China-Japan-Korea Relations: Can Peace be Maintained in North East Asia?. In: Clements, K. (eds) Identity, Trust, and Reconciliation in East Asia. Rethinking Peace and Conflict Studies. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54897-5_3

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