OPTIONS FOR RECONCILING CHINA AND JAPAN

The Workshop on China-Japan Reconciliation at the Australian National University in August 2006 concluded that to prevent a dangerous drift in Japan-China relations, it was crucial to identify policies and programs that would move their relations in a positive direction. An essential element of conflict resolution in a case as difficult as the China-Japan rivalry is that action needs to take place at multiple levels. Ultimately, of course, the two governments must make agreements and otherwise accept new courses of action. But at a time of competitive nationalisms and mutual dislike in public opinion, Chinese and Japanese leaders may be severely constrained in what they can do. The China-Japan dispute is manageable. This article has tried to suggest where the opportunities exist; but as always, the missing ingredient is the political will and imagination to seize them.