China’s Perceptions of and Responses to Abe’s Foreign Policy

Over the past two years since Xi Jinping and Abe Shinzo came to power, the bilateral relationship between China and Japan has been deteriorating steadily. China’s perception of Abe’s foreign policy orientation has been very negative. At the same time, China’s response to it has also been very tough and assertive. At least four factors may account for China’s attitude and behavior: China’s rise, domestic politics, historical memory, and leadership personality.