The Diplomatic Strategies for Normalizing Relations between Japan and Korea and between Japan and China: Shelving, Layering, Demarcation, and Iridescence

Abstract

This study is an attempt to comparatively analyze the processes behind the normalizing of relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1965 and between Japan and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in 1972. Through this analysis, similarities and differences in the origins of and the methods for dealing with unresolved historical issues are identified. Considering that the special circumstances of these normalization processes involved countries which were divided during the Cold War, we can see that Japan recognized the ROK and PRC as the sole legal governments of their respective countries. Meanwhile, the PRC forwent demands for war reparations and the ROK focused on economic cooperation. This study also examines how the negotiation processes involved shelving, layering, demarcation, and iridescence to handle disputes. It is hoped that this study, by jointly analyzing the normalization process of Japan-ROK and Japan-PRC relations, can help to reflect on the establishment of the postwar order in East Asia, solve the historical problems which remain at issue to this day, and help to imagine and construct a new order in East Asia.