The Making of China’s Peace with Japan

Book excerpt: This text provides a comprehensive re-examination of post-World War II Sino-Japanese relations, focusing notably on Chinese premier Zhou Enlai’s foreign policy toward Japan. It juxtaposes Zhou’s stance on issues which confront current bilateral relations — such as the “history issues” and the territorial dispute over the Senkaku (or Diaoyu) Islands — with the current Chinese foreign policy of President Xi Jinping. Through in-depth analysis of primary sources, including newly published writings and biographies of Zhou as well as newly released diplomatic archival documents, this book reveals the truth behind secret negotiations between China and Japan and sheds new light on contemporary Sino-Japanese relations.