Submitted by: Nick Chamness

A few years back while studying abroad in Australia, I took a modern Japanese history class. It took a look at the post WWII era of Japanese history and politics, and also shed light on its relations with other Asian countries. One of the most interesting things I remember learning was the fact that many Japanese do not even consider themselves as Asian. This has in the past, created a superiority complex which has led to some bad decisions (i.e. rape of Nanking) and thus causing soured relations with many other Asian countries. To this day there are many Chinese who have not forgotten what the Japanese did to them over 70 years ago.

With that being said, I spent the better part of a semester in Australia researching whether or not North Korea posed a threat to Asia, in particular Japan. My conclusion was that while threatening, Kim Jong Il stands to lose far more than he would gain by using force against his neighbors. I felt he was using his nuclear program to leverage other nations giving him things he needed (i.e food, natural resources, money) to maintain his power. Whether or not you agree with my conclusion is for you to decide. This all could change with a new leader in North Korea. (see today’s article in Chicago Tribune: U.S. wary of possible successor to Kim Jong Il in North Korea, Hillary Clinton says).

The U.S. plays an important role in helping to maintain stability in the region. As China becomes more powerful it could start throwing its weight around. Japan has become more and more nervous as its neighbor has grown into an industrial powerhouse. Small disputes like the one over the uninhabited islands in the Yellow Sea, could potentially become more dangerous in the future as China becomes more confident. The U.S. backs Taiwan and vows to protect it against Chinese takeover. We are also a strong supporter of Japan and would side with them in a dispute with China (China announces military dialogue with U.S.).

What is your take on both China and North Korea’s intentions? Will China avenge the Rape of Nanking? Will North Korea attack Japan? Can Hillary Clinton put us on good terms with China and help guide them into a responsible role as a superpower? Does China stand to gain anything by attacking Japan? Any other thoughts and comments?