Between political alienation and economic dependence
by
Thomas Awe
THE SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS AFTER THE LDP ELECTION VICTORY AND THE CP CONGRESS
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping could vastly expand their political power this autumn. Both are now in a position to govern for years to come. Abe dissolved the Japanese Lower House in order to face down the opposition in the new elections. The coup succeeded. Abe wants to "reclaim" Japan. Xi Jinping was almost simultaneously appointed as the core leader of the Chinese Communist Party. He is now the undisputed leader of the Middle Kingdom, on par with Mao Zedong. Xi wants to realize the "Chinese dream". A collision course seems pre-programmed.
