The Game between China-Japan Relations and the Dilemma of China's Diplomacy in the Light of the Ryukyu Issue (1871-1881)

Based on the historical framework of the late Qing Dynasty from 1871 to 1881 and the debate and game between China and Japan on Ryukyu as the main perspective, this paper makes an in-depth discussion on the development and change of modern Sino-Japanese relations and the dilemma faced by China's diplomacy. Through detailed analysis and interpretation of the positions, measures and influence of China and Japan on the Ryukyu Issue, this paper clarifies the origin of the Ryukyu issue, summarizes its far-reaching influence on the political pattern of East Asia and even the world, and extracts important enlightenment for the current Sino-Japanese relations. This paper further points out that the settlement of the Ryukyu issue reflects the dramatic change of the international order in East Asia in modern times, reveals the mutual rise and fall of power between China and Japan, and predicts that the contradictions and conflicts between the two countries will be further intensified in the long history. Such historical experience and lessons are worthy of our deep thinking, and can provide valuable historical reference and strategic advice for us to deal with similar historical issues in the current Sino-Japanese relations and China's diplomatic strategy.