Compare and contrast how the Chinese viewed Korea and Japan historically
Historically, the Chinese dynasties viewed Korea and Japan as tributaries that needed protection or prizes that needed coveting (Jack, 2013). They viewed them as dangerous land bridges that could harm China. For instance, the Chinese felt that Korea’s status as a tributary in the 19th century would lead it to war with its counterpart (Japan). The historical Japanese invasion of China is still fresh in the minds of its citizens (Jack, 2013). This confirms the reason why they viewed Japan as a dangerous country. They also believed that the dynastic periods of Korea and Japan were owed to their history.
For instance, the Chinese believed that they played a great role in shaping the Korean and Japanese culture, religion, and politics, among other things. In Korea, this is confirmed in the article “Korea in Chinese History: Struck in the Middle,” where the modern Chinese historians argue that the Korean dynastic period is owed to their history (Jack, 2013). For instance, they narrate that the Goguryeo state, which is presently referred to as North China, belonged to the ethnic groups of the Chinese (Jack, 2013). In Japan, the argument about the dynasties of China is confirmed by their culture, which is similar to that of China. In the article “Japan in Chinese History: Cross Currents,” the modern historians continue to argue that their country played a primary role in shaping Japanese politics, literature, culture, and religion (Jack, 2013).
China saw itself as the greatest power in Eastern Asia and hence wanted the states of Korea and Japan to be under its control. The Chinese dynasties believed that the Koreans viewed them as cruel. They also felt that they associated them with the wanton invaders. On the other hand, they viewed Japan as a close ally. That is why China shared its culture, religion, and literature, among other things, with the nation (Jack, 2013). The Chinese viewed Japan as one of their own. This is confirmed by the anti-Japanese protests in China, which the country viewed as a loophole that could destabilize its power. In addition, the Buddhism culture and sharing of Chinese words among the Japanese communities confirms the close relationships that existed between the two nations historically (Jack, 2013).
Do you agree with the arguments made by these two articles? Why or why not?
I totally agree with the arguments made by these two articles. First, the articles provide strong arguments from modern historians supporting the view of how the Chinese viewed Japan and Korea historically. For instance, the author of these articles has explained his argument basing on historical data from all the nations (Jack, 2013). He has included examples showing how both countries emulate certain aspects of the Chinese culture. For instance, the information in the article about language sharing (Japanese culture incorporating Chinese characters), cultural exchange, and religion (Buddhism) clearly illustrate that the author did their research from relevant and reliable sources (Jack, 2013). All these confirm that the arguments made by the articles are genuine.
How have such historical views affected their past and current relations?
The historical view of the Chinese has affected their past and present relations in several ways. For instance, Japan and Korea are perceived by China as dangerous land bridges. This is confirmed by the current disputes and tensions surrounding these three nations. For instance, China’s historical claim of the Goguryeo and other kingdoms in Korea has caused tensions in both countries (Jack, 2013). The perception of being considered as the greatest power in Eastern Asia has influenced these countries to fight for the coveted position. They also disagree on several issues where each nation claims to have shaped the other in terms of politics, cultural exchange, and religion, among others. All these factors affect the past and current relations between these nations.
References
Jack, J. (2013). Japan in Chinese History: Cross-Currents.The Economist. Web.
Jack, J. (2013). Korea in Chinese History: Struck in the Middle.The Economist. Web.