Lack of trust clouds strategies of China, Japan and the US in East Asia
A lack of trust and understanding cloud the diplomatic strategies of the big three players in East Asia – China, Japan and the United States
The world watches in bewilderment as two of its largest economies inch ever closer to war. It's all the more puzzling given that the countries have become close trading partners in recent years and the arguments between them seem trivial.
Their economies are so interdependent that any confrontation - let alone a full-scale war - would surely bring ruin to all.
The scene described is Europe 100 years ago. It may be an exaggeration to compare today's Sino-Japanese tension to Europe on the eve of the first world war, yet there is a danger of history being repeated.
Viewed from today's perspective, the tragedy appears unavoidable and for many Europeans of the time, the conflict seemed unthinkable. But the unthinkable could happen again if the lessons of history are ignored.
Listening to retired generals and government advisers at the third Sino-US Colloquium in Hong Kong last week, it was hard to shake off a sense of déjà vu.