Abstract

China’s rise represents a constructive force for the stabilization of Northeast Asia (NEA) and contributes to further economic growth in the region. An unprecedented level of interdependence centering on China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) has significantly moderated regional geopolitical challenges and promoted economic growth in Asia and beyond. At the same time, the wild cards of NEA politics continue to be the (conventional and nuclear) security dilemma, territorial disputes, and nationalism. This chapter examines China’s relations with NEA—a region vital for its security and prosperity.