THE NATURE OF THE “THREAT OF CHINA”—A Japanese View—

Abstract

A China with nuclear capabilities is one of the big problems in international politics in East Asia. Some of the politicians in Japan feel the threat, and are trying to cope with it by closer ties with the United States. The “threat,” however, must be analyzed from the aspects of both China's capabilities and her intentions. By analyzing China's past behavior, the writer deduces that China's main objective seems to be the “liberation of Taiwan,” and not mere expansionism or simple security. On the basis of this understanding, the writer concludes that the “threat” comes from the Sino‐American confrontation over Taiwan and from ideological or psychological warfare. It is concluded, therefore, that closer ties with the U. S. is not good for the peace and security of Asia. Better communications, the solution of the Taiwan problem and better domestic policies, it is suggested, are essential for this purpose.