China and Japan to ease diplomatic tensions

It is interesting that the NY times has an article about this issue because this is my research topic. China-Japan relations have always been strained because of history, but both nations depend on each other economically. The scenario is similar across the world of diplomacy. Nations weigh economic conditions against their political attitudes. For example, few would celebrate the democratic and human rights record of the Saudi family, but we also really like driving cars. I think the tensions between the China and Japan are even more relevant. Japan has been the powerhouse of Asia before and after the WWII, but with China's economic prosperity and Security Council seat things changing. The result is a delicate balance between contempt and cooperation. Japan seems to be losing face between the two nations. Though Japan is an industrialized democracy, China's economic boom is taking the attention away from Tokyo. Also, Japan is one of the largest monetary contributors to the UN, but still doesn't have a Security Council seat. I think the historical insults will always be apart of their relationship, but that economic dependence will prevent any true hostility.