Sino–Japanese Rivalry in Maritime Southeast Asia

Abstract

In this chapter, Renato Cruz De Castro adopts a “realist” paradigm to analyze Sino–Japanese rivalry in maritime Southeast Asia . He asserts: “Many liberals naively assume that extensive economic interdependency and common interests will underpin peaceful relations and cooperation among states. However, contemporary Sino–Japanese relations suggest otherwise. … A study of existing international rivalries notes that the interstate dispute with the greatest potential to trigger a major regional conflict is the Sino–Japanese rivalry .” He observes that given the uncertain power shift in East Asia and the lack of robust institutions for security cooperation in this region , it is not surprising that Sino–Japanese antagonism has also extended to maritime Southeast Asia . Renato Cruz De Castro concludes: “While liberals may hope that international law should and will prevail in maritime disputes, the reality is that the balance of power between the US–Japan Alliance and a rising China will be decisive in addressing the South China Sea dispute .” Indeed, Beijing’s derisive response to the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s judgment in July 2016 regarding the South China Sea demonstrates the fragility of international law.