Japan, Taiwan and the One China Framework after 50 Years

This study analyses the one China framework's significance for Japan-Taiwan relations since Tokyo switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1972. Drawing on Chinese-, Japanese- and English-language sources, it examines developments since the breakthrough Japan-PRC normalization communique and the Japan formula, which enabled Tokyo to normalize relations - six years before Washington - without recognizing Beijing's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, and while maintaining robust, if unofficial, ties with Taipei thenceforth. Highlighting distinctions between Beijing's self-asserted one-China principle and Japan's ambiguous official position and subsequent effective policies, it assesses incremental but practically significant evolutions of Japan-Taiwan relations over the past half-century. In the 21st century, the trend towards incrementally closer ties has proven strikingly resilient to political transitions in Japan and Taiwan, China's growing power, pushback from Beijing and worsening cross-Strait frictions. Beyond Japan-Taiwan relations and theoretical debates on one China, this article's findings carry significant implications for Taiwan's international space, cross-Strait dynamics and China-Japan-United States relations.

Automated summary

This study analyzes the significance of the one China framework for Japan-Taiwan relations and assesses the changes in these relations over the past half-century. The findings show that the relationship between Japan and Taiwan has been gradually strengthening in the 21st century, demonstrating resilience to political transitions, China's growing power, and worsening cross-Strait frictions.