Research On The Adjustments Of The Japan-U.S. Alliance From The Balance-of-interests Theory

Alliance is really one of the core issues of researching the international relations.In numerous alliance theory, balance-of-interests theory,which put forward by Randall Schweller,is a very persuasive explanation of the Japan-U.S. Alliance adjustments.This theory is also an important sign which reflects neorealism theory evolving into the mature stage.Main viewpoints of balance-of-interests theory as follows:"national alliance behavior decided by its national interests rather than threats of which it’s facing" "revisionist states decide to ally with strong states in order to getting interests" "following acts are more common than balancing acts",etc.Balance-of-interests theory provides a strong theoretical guidance to analyze the studying of adjustments and strengths of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.As one of the most important contemporary bilateral relations,the Japan-U.S. Alliance has played an important role in the Asia-Pacific and international affairs since established in the early 1950s.According to changes in the regional and international situation as well as Japan and the U.S. strategic interests in the different stages in more than 60 years,the Japan-U.S. Alliance has gone through different stages of adjustments and shown distinct characteristics.As an an official document of cooperation and division of tasks of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces published by Japan and the United States government under different situations,the formulation and revisions of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation are important symbols of the Japan-U.S. Alliance which reflect adjustments under different stages. Especially with the introduction of the 2015 edition of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation, the Japan-U.S.Alliance has completed the adjustment of a new phase. The 2015 edition of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation reflects the expansion of the Japan-U.S.Alliance geographic scope, the expanding of the alliance connotation, additions and fixes of the Japan and the U.S. shared responsibility within the alliance.The new guidelines strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance cooperation mechanism.Its characteristics against China has increasingly and significantly enhanced the level of military cooperation and integration of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The 2015 edition of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation and the new adjustment of the Japan-U.S. Alliance will boost Japan to get rid of the "postwar system" and the rightist process of political military power,resulting in negative impacts on the development of Sino-U.S., Sino-Japanese relations.The connivance of the Japanese rightist may inspire tensions in the region and intensify potentially destabilizings in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.Characteristics of Japan and U.S. adjusting their alliance to defense and curb China has become increasingly evident that China needs a positive response. China should recognize motivations, characteristics and trends of the Japan-U.S. Alliance adjustments; adhere to the development of peace to dispel the conception of "the power will bully";advocate the new security concept to improve the international voice;adhere to the economic construction and national defense construction matter;continue to deepen communication with U.S. and Japan; promote the new type of power relations of non-conflict,non-confrontation, mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results with U.S. and stable Sino-Japan relations of "being not threat but partner with each other";strengthen trilateral dialogue and set up a trilateral summit mechanism when necessary.In order to create a favorable neighbor region and stable international environment for China’s peaceful rise,China should effectively safeguard its own territorial integrity of its sovereignty and legitimate interests and resolve negative influence imposed by the Japan-U.S. Alliance adjustments.