Of Interest and Distrust: Understanding China's Policy Towards Japan‪.‬

Chinese relations with Japan are characterised by the contradiction of deep distrust on one hand and important interests on the other. This article elaborates upon this contradiction in an attempt to shed light on possible future developments in the bilateral relationship. It applies a perceptual approach in its analysis which is mainly based on the publications of Chinese analysts and interpretations of Chinese public opinion. The article begins with a survey of approaches to understanding Chinese foreign policy and an assessment of the influence of Chinese analysts and public opinion. It then investigates Chinese interests and distrust in Japan and concludes with a discussion of the "history issue". Approaches to Understanding Chinese Foreign Policy