The interaction of material and ideational factors in the East China Sea dispute: impact on future dispute management
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that previous analyses privilege one aspect of the dispute over the other, arguing that the primary motivations relate to the material wealth of the seabed combined with increased energy needs in China and Japan.
Abstract: This article seeks to explain the current phase of the East China Sea dispute between China and Japan. It argues that previous analyses privilege one aspect of the dispute over the other. Some stress the nationalist dimension of the dispute while others argue the primary motivations relate to the material wealth of the seabed combined with increased energy needs in China and Japan. By analysing the interaction between the nationalist (ideational) and resource (material) dimensions, it becomes clear why it has become increasingly difficult for policy elites in either state to seek compromise. This is because nationalist constituencies in China and Japan have extended their nationalist/ideational sentiment from the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands to the entire East China Sea. Simultaneously, Beijing and Tokyo's interest in the material exploitation and security of the East China Sea has risen. This convergence between nationalist and elite interest became clear in April 2005 and significantly raised bilateral tensio...
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: The Senkaku Shoto/Diaoyu Islands dispute in the East China Sea and the Okinotorishima Dispute in the western Pacific are currently among the most prominent maritime disagreements between Japan and...
Abstract: The Senkaku Shoto/Diaoyu Islands dispute in the East China Sea and the Okinotorishima dispute in the western Pacific are currently among the most prominent maritime disagreements between Japan and ...
3 citations
Dissertation•
19 Jun 2012
3 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the tax provisions applicable to oil and gas exploration and production in China are some of the more generous in the area and the relevant features of the system are described.
Abstract: Recent developments in China's oil market have reignited the interest of multinational oil and gas companies in China. New onshore and offshore blocks are being granted, and the Tarim basin has been opened to foreign participation for the first time. Foreign participation is also being sought in refining and other downstream areas. Though Chinese officials have long been viewed as difficult negotiators, the tax provisions applicable to oil and gas exploration and production in China are some of the more generous in the area. This article describes some of the relevant features of the system and some of the problem areas. The paper describes production sharing contracts, applicable taxes, gross income determination, taxable income, tax consolidation, overseas charges, and withholding taxes on payments to subcontractors and employees.
1 citations
01 Jan 2022
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors suggest that Asian countries need to adopt a clearer recognition of the new geopolitical realities on the ground going forward and ensure that the San Francisco system works for the benefit for everyone in the region, as opposed to just the United States and her principal ally Japan.
Abstract: The San Francisco Peace TreatySan FranciscoTreaty has been lauded by many as one of the most significant development in the construction of the post War era in Asia–Pacific. San FranciscoTreaty This treaty also heralded in a system which many International Relations scholars refer to as the “San Francisco SystemSan Francisco System”, premisedSan FranciscoSystem on the 1951 US-Japan Security TreatyUS-Japan Security Treaty signed contemporaneously with the San Francisco Peace TreatySan FranciscoTreaty. San Francisco System The system enjoys an almost cult status amongst Western/Japanese officials and scholars, who firmly believe in its ability to sustain peace and prosperity in the region. Today the region is at risk of being pulled apart by the hegemonic contention between China and the United States, as the San Francisco System is compelling the U.S. allies and other Asian countries to rally and confront a rising China. The chapter suggests that Asian countries need to adopt a clearer recognition of the new geopolitical realities on the ground going forward and ensure that the San Francisco system works for the benefit for everyone in the region, as opposed to just the United States and her principal ally Japan. The ongoing Russia–Ukraine war provides much food for thought for the regional countries on the way going forward in terms of bolstering their security, engaging China and maintaining regional peace and prosperity. The chapter suggests that Asian countries can utilize the San Francisco system not only to engage a rising China, but also to constrain the United States. The region needs to socialize these great powers to the expectations of the countries in the region and strive to build a forward-looking community for a better future.
References
More filters
Book•
15 May 1996
TL;DR: Huth as mentioned in this paper presents a new theoretical approach for analyzing the foreign policy behavior of states, one that integrates insights from traditional realist as well as domestic political approaches to the study of foreign policy.
Abstract: Through an examination of 129 territorial disputes between 1950 and 1990, Paul Huth presents a new theoretical approach for analyzing the foreign policy behavior of states, one that integrates insights from traditional realist as well as domestic political approaches to the study of foreign policy. Huth's approach is premised on the belief that powerful explanations of security policy must be built on the recognition that foreign policy leaders are domestic politicians who are very attentive to the domestic implications of foreign policy actions. Hypotheses derived from this new modified realist mode are then empirically tested by a combination of statistical and case study analysis. ." . . a welcome contribution to our understanding of how and why some territorial disputes escalate to war."--"American Political Science Review" Paul Huth is Associate Professor of Political Science and Associate Research Scientist, Center for Political Studies, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
414 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: The authors studied the causes, content, and consequences of nationalism in China, an ancient empire that has struggled to construct a nation-state and find its place in the modern world, and revealed how leaders of the PRC have adopted a pragmatic strategy to use nationalism while struggling to prevent it from turning into a menace rather than a prop.
Abstract: This is the first historically comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the causes, content, and consequences of nationalism in China, an ancient empire that has struggled to construct a nation-state and find its place in the modern world. It shows how Chinese political elites have competed to promote different types of nationalism linked to their political values and interests and imposed them on the nation while trying to repress other types of nationalism. In particular, the book reveals how leaders of the PRC have adopted a pragmatic strategy to use nationalism while struggling to prevent it from turning into a menace rather than a prop.
326 citations
TL;DR: In the post-Cold War era, international relations scholars have produced a pessimistic evaluation of ways that nationalism increases the chances of international conflict as discussed by the authors, focusing on the use of nationalism to divert attention from societal demands for security, economic development, and effective political institutions.
Abstract: Influenced by the resurgence of nationalism in the post-Cold War era, international relations scholars have produced a pessimistic evaluation of ways that nationalism increases the chances of international conflict. Three broad themes have emerged in the literature. The first focuses on the use of nationalism to divert attention from the state's inability to meet societal demands for security, economic development, and effective political institutions.' Illegitimate regimes may seek to bolster their grip on power by blaming foreigners for their own failures, increasing international tensions.' The second looks at groups within the state that have expansionist or militarist goals. By propagating nationalist or imperialist myths, they can generate broad public support for their parochial intere s t ~ . ~ The third emphasizes how political elites can incite nationalism to gain an advantage in domestic political competition. Nationalism can be used both to mobilize support for threatened elites and to fend off potential challenger^.^ This function can be particularly important in democratizing or liberalizing authoritarian regimes, which lack established political institutions to channel
174 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a political accountability model is developed to explain how the accountability of incumbent democratic leaders to domestic political opposition influences the diplomatic and military policies of governments, and the model is situated within the democratic peace literature and compared with existing theoretical work.
Abstract: A political accountability model is developed to explain how the accountability of incumbent democratic leaders to domestic political opposition influences the diplomatic and military policies of governments. The model is situated within the democratic peace literature and compared with existing theoretical work. Empirically, the hypotheses are tested on a new data set of 348 territorial disputes for the period from 1919 to 1995. Each dispute is divided into three separate stages so that hypotheses about the initiation and outcome of both negotiations and military confrontations, and opposing patterns of war and dispute settlement, can be tested. Results provide strong support for a number of hypotheses concerning the importance of electoral cycles and the strength of opposition parties in explaining patterns of both conflictual and cooperative behavior by democratic states.
111 citations
Book•
13 Sep 1989
TL;DR: This article made a thorough and overall investigation of China's policy towards these islands, dealing with the battle for the Paracels, the dispute with Vietnam, the disputes with the Philippines and Malaysia and the relationship between the territorial disputes and China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.
Abstract: Since 1949 and the founding of the People's Republic, China has been involved in more than one territorial dispute with its neighbours. Currently the most unstable and dangerous dispute is the one over the Paracel and Spratly islands in the South China Sea. With their potentially rich and accessible petroleum resources, these islands have become the new arena of conflict for the 1970s and 1980s, China having already fought a war with South Vietnam over the Paracel Islands. This book, based on a wealth of primary materials in the Chinese language, is the first to make a thorough and overall investigation of China's policy towards these islands. It deals with the battle for the Paracels, the dispute with Vietnam, the disputes with the Philippines and Malaysia, and the relationship between the territorial disputes and China's maritime claims in the South China Sea.
52 citations