Crises open doors for cooperation, ChinaDaily.com
4/2/2011
"Reconstruction to be major topic of discussion at Beijing-Tokyo Forum
BEIJING / TOKYO - China and Japan should explore opportunities for cooperation in the massive reconstruction job Japan faces in the aftermath of its triple disasters, political and opinion leaders from both countries said on Friday."
In both 2008 and 2011, especially following the 2010 fishery dispute near the Senkaku Islands, both Chinese and Japanese diplomats were especially focused on virtue-signaling the strength of their relations despite consistent tensions. In this ChinaDaily.com press release from April 2nd, 2011, leaders from both sides expressed a desire “for cooperation in the massive reconstruction job Japan faces.” Justifiably, this was also likely in response to the direct economic impacts on fishery commerce between civilians in both nations.
However, despite the clear political leverage negotiations would provide, it is important to note that this was also likely out of concern for the increased imports provided by China in the coming months, and the strain that could have on the Chinese fishery supply chain. Therefore, by helping to rebuild Japan, this also aids the maintenance of a growing economy.