Sino-Japanese Relations: A Power Transition Theory Perspective

　　Abstract: This article extends power transition theory to distinguish political power from capacity and to examine a situation in which a global hierarchical system and multiple regional hierarchical systems can co-exist. Based on this extended power transition theoretical framework, this article analyzes the changes in capacity and political power structures in East Asia, the impacts of these changes to Sino-Japanese relations and stability in East Asia, and the strategies that the United States employs toward Japan to cope with the rise of China. This article argues that the power transition between China and Japan-as a result of the rise of China-has been conducive to stability in East Asia, and that Japan’s change from a satisfied great power in East Asia’s regional hieratical system to an unsatisfied one since the end of the Cold War has brought uncertainties to regional stability. It also argues that while pushing forward its strategic and reciprocal relations with Japan, China should not concede to Japan’s quest for a permanent seat on UN Security Council, as well as to the territorial disputes between the two countries. While China should assume a leadership role in East Asia, it should also refrain from becoming a challenger in US perception.