The Japanese factor in the context of modern Sino-South Korean relations
To date, China and South Korea are among the largest players in the APR. Both states are closely connected not only by common history and territorial proximity, but also by economic interests. However, the asymmetry in the foreign policy courses of Beijing and Seoul and the clash of the parties on the issue of regional security in 2016-2017 led to tensions in Sino-South Korean relations. The deployment of a new anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea, initiated by the USA and Japan, evokes the obvious displeasure of the Chinese side and provokes it to respond to Seoul. In this article, the author examines the main aspects and problems in modern Sino-South Korean relations, and also analyzes the degree of influence on them of a third party, Japan. Thus, common problems in relations with Tokyo bring together China and South Korea. The parties have repeatedly acted together against Japan in matters of history and disputed territories. However, Japan and the Republic of Korea remain the military allies of the United States, while Beijing acts as a rival of Washington in the APR. The phases of closer cooperation between Tokyo and Seoul alternate with renewed tensions over historical conflicts. Whenever North Korea’s threat increases and US activity in the region falls, Japan and South Korea seek closer cooperation, which is alarming Beijing.