South Korean Attitude toward Japan, China, and the U.S.

The twenty-first century is called "Asian Century" due to growing political self-consciousness and dramatic economic growth in Asia" (Kishore 2008; Saches 2004). China's remarkable economic growth makes China take a greater role in the region and the international community. The rise of China and of other Asian countries has created competition in Asia for dominance militarily, economically, and politically. In East Asia, the economic powerhouses of China and Japan are now in conflict for greater influence over the region. Caught between these two countries, South Korea is a strong ally of and a locus of power for the United States. Given China's growing influence in East Asia, and given Japan's strong economy but sticky historical relationship during the World War II, will South Korea be more inclined to align itself more closely with China or Japan? By using 2003 and 2004 AsiaBarometers, this research examines the South Koreans' perception toward Japan, China, and the U.S., and determines how these sentiments may influence policymaking. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]