This article addresses the differences in maritime policies between Japan and China, and then moves to Japan's possible credible security measures to realize the regionwide stability under the banner of its alliance with the United States. From legal perspectives, Japan's position has been far more solid than China's. The bilateral relationship, however, should be cultivated more seriously for future generations. If the oil resources are real, it is possible that both Japan and China will be able to contribute to the more general energy issues existing in the world. The article then moves to possible measures which both the United States and Japan could address in these maritime issues. Articles in the treaty, possible joint military exercises in conjunction with Australia and others, and the US claim on the “freedom of navigation” will also be introduced. For the region wide security, Japan has to continue a variety of dialogues with its neighboring countries. Eventually the possibility of joint energy exploitation in the East China Sea could seriously be considered, so that “next generations” will finally find the wisdom to resolve this problem.
展开▼