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The United States and Northeast Asia: Present and Future
Author(s) -
Scalapino Robert A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
pacific focus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.172
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1976-5118
pISSN - 1225-4657
DOI - 10.1111/j.1976-5118.2007.tb00295.x
Subject(s) - sovereignty , china , political science , politics , competition (biology) , international relations , optimism , east asia , political economy , development economics , geography , economy , economics , law , psychology , ecology , social psychology , biology
Two issues have dominated the political‐security scene in Northeast Asia in recent times: the North Korean nuclear program and the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty. In both matters, the U.S. is deeply involved, and while the North Korean problem has shown recent progress, neither issue can be considered close to resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. relations with the major Northeast Asian powers vary. With Japan, the relationship is strongly positive. Relations with China are characterized by complexity, with cooperation and competition coexisting. Relations with Russia have fluctuated, with problems mounting in the recent past. Among other nations, the ROK remains a significant ally despite certain differences both with respect to policies and political atmosphere. Mongolia represents a nation seeking balanced relations with near neighbors and closer relations with Japan and the United States. When the current scene is viewed in its full dimensions, there is reason for cautious optimism.