How does China cope with the Japan-ROK deal on 'Comfort Women?'

By Wu Jianshu
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 6, 2016
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Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, China and South Korea have made great achievements in cooperation in such fields as politics, the economy, culture and people exchanges. China has become South Korea's biggest trade partner.

Through the cooperation, China hopes to reach a more balanced position in its ties with South Korea and with the U.S. But China and South Korea have differences in practical interests: China hopes to maintain the status quo on the Korean Peninsula while South Korea pursues unification as its long-term state strategy. To further enhance bilateral ties, China has to adjust its strategy in the following two aspects:

First, China has to diversify its strategic goals in regard to South Korea. On the basis of maintaining its practical interests on the peninsula, China can say it would like to see unification achieved by the South and North without the use of force. China could also provide political consultations and assistance on this issue as long as South Korea accepts the current China-North Korean border after unification.

Second, China should diversify its methods to achieve strategic goals. Besides actions in regard to the economy, trade and culture, it should put more pressure on countries like Japan, which has threatened the common security of China and South Korea, to persuade South Korea change its longstanding U.S.-dependent foreign policy. More balanced ties among China, South Korea and the U.S. will counter American moves to prevent China from gaining more influence over the Asia-Pacific region.

Over all, under the U.S. pressure, the sincerity of the reconciliation between Japan and South Korea over the issue of "Comfort Women" can be deemed very low. If China keeps up pressure against Japan in military and foreign policy with its growth of overall national strength, it will encourage the South Koreans to switch to a more Chinese-based orbit.

Wu Jianshu is an independent scholar.

This post was first published in Chinese and translated by Li Shen.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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