Publication

This bulletin reviews Chinese President Hu Jintao's May 2008 visit to Japan by placing it in a historical context, and examines its effects on strained Sino-Japanese relations. It argues that while the visit serves as grounds for optimism, latent nationalism on both sides could still undo President Hu's goodwill efforts and hinder Sino-Japanese reconciliation. The author argues, moreover, that the US should play a behind-the-scenes mediating role to build-on, rather than interfere with, President Hu's achievements.