China and Japan, in the Mekong Region: Competition and Cooperation

Abstract

Bi Shihong argues, in this chapter, that China and Japan are pursuing their own conceptions of cooperation in the Mekong region along parallel tracks. However, a modicum of competition between the two Northeast Asian countries, especially in the fields of aid and development, may actually benefit the Mekong countries. Interestingly, Beijing and Tokyo have established a bilateral forum known as the Japan-China Policy Dialogue on Mekong Region (JCPDMR) . Though this bilateral dialogue had been held on five occasions, it has been suspended due to the subsequent deterioration in Sino–Japanese relations over territorial claims and conflict over historical narratives. Bi notes that it is conceivable that the JCPDMR can be revived again if diplomatic relations between Beijing and Tokyo were to improve in the future. He concludes on a sanguine note: “the Mekong economies are increasingly integrated with the Chinese and Japanese economies. But this deepening economic relationship need not be marked by political antagonism. If Beijing and Tokyo can manage their overarching political relations calmly and peacefully, then trilateral cooperation with the Mekong countries for mutual benefits is possible.”