Independent and Intervening Variables in Japan-China Diplomatic Dialogue (1952-1978)

Despite the vast research existing on Japan-China diplomatic rapprochement, less has been investigated by taking into account the interaction between the two actors within the framework of intervening variables that influenced their historical path. The stages that have marked the development of Japan-China relations should be, indeed, included and interpreted in the broader context of the Cold War. This paper aims at exploring how the differences between the Western and Eastern blocs, and the structure of the international system, have influenced the evolution of their diplomatic relations.