Major Power Relations in Northeast Asia : Win-Win Or Zero-Sum Game

Three counties -- China, Japan, and the United States -- and relations among them are likely to have a disproportionate impact on prospects for peace and prosperity in Asia Pacific in the twenty-first century. If the differences among these major actors are managed successfully, the prospects for the region are bright indeed. Conversely, if the three fail to manage their relationship successfully, or if relations between any two of the parties are seen to threaten the third, the risks for the region and beyond will increase dramatically.

David M. Lampton is George and Sadie Hyman Professor and Director of China Studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Director of the China Studies Program at The Nixon Center