On win-win-win ties for U.S., Japan, China

The United States needs to respect other governments and effective multilateralism. The U.S. stabilizing role must clearly account for the interests of other countries. Washington should avoid acting as a lone superpower and demonstrate it is a trustworthy partner. China meanwhile should exercise military restraint in terms of coercive diplomacy, defense spending transparency, and power projection capabilities. Beijing can also show restraint domestically by allowing the continued growth of Chinese civil society. For its part, Japan can deal with historical issues responsibly as it takes a more active role in international politics and security. The region can better recognize Tokyo’s international contributions and avoid security dilemmas if diplomatic efforts to build trust accompany Japanese normalization.

Japan’s expanding security role and Japan-U.S. alliance transformation focus on increasingly global cooperation. Tokyo and Washington can show these efforts are not directed at China by doing more outside the region in terms of disaster relief and post-conflict stabilization, while inviting China’s participation. Within the region, the three countries can coordinate search-and-rescue exercises, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to combat piracy.

Complex processes of globalization are transforming international relations. Multi-directional socialization is underway among states, international institutions and increasingly intertwined societies. In this dynamic context, it is essential to specify what win-win-win trilateral relations would look like. Those relations would be broader, deeper and more stable than today, and better able to address pressing international problems.

The goal is distant but far from impossible. Realizing win-win-win relations requires new strategic thinking, questioning old assumptions and adjusting to new realities. Japan, China and the United States would navigate each other’s primary interests and adhere to high standards for state behavior involving mutual respect, restraint and responsibility. On this basis, multi-directional socialization would gradually produce shared strategic visions and even a sense of common identity. Only then will U.S.-Japan-China relations truly be win-win-win.

Leif-Eric Easley is a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University’s Department of Government. His dissertation explores national identity and security cooperation in East Asia. Easley is actively involved in Track II diplomacy with the Pacific Forum CSIS and is currently a Visiting Scholar at UCLA.

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