日泰关系:特点、动因与前景

Japan-Thailand Relations: Characteristics,Motivations and Prospects

日泰两国都是中国周边重要邻国,鉴于日泰关系的特殊性、泰国重要的地缘政治位置以及在东盟中的地位,日泰关系的发展会直接影响中泰关系甚至中国与东盟关系。日泰两国在二战期间形成的同盟关系、两国王室间的频繁交往、战后日本的经济援助和对泰强大的软权力是日泰关系的四个特点。对彼此的利益诉求是促进日泰两国合作的推动力,日本欲通过泰国加强与东盟关系以获得政治支持,制衡中国的崛起,维护自身在东南亚重要的地缘经济利益;泰国则希望借助日本发展本国经济,平衡中国影响力,巩固在东盟的地位。未来日泰两国关系仍面临诸多不确定因素,但由于两国没有历史遗留问题,泰国对日本的戒备和防范心理较弱,且日本通过战后赔偿、官方发展援助、贸易、投资等“经济外交”方式在泰国树立了良好国家形象,在泰国民众心中获得较积极的正面认知,因此上述不确定因素不会从根本上影响两国关系。

Both Japan and Thailand are important neighboring countries of China,in view of the particularity of Japan-Thailand relations,Thailand’s important geopolitical position and its position in ASEAN,the development of Japan-Thai relations will directly affect Sino-Thai relations and even China-ASEAN relations.Japan-Thailand alliance during World War II,frequent exchanges between the royal families of the two countries,Japan’s economic assistance and strong soft power to Thailand after the World War II are the four characteristics of Japan-Thailand relations.The pursuit of each other's interests is the driving force for promoting Japan-Thailand cooperation,Japan wants to strengthen relations with ASEAN through Thailand in order to gain political support,balance against the rise of China,and maintain its important geo-economic interests in Southeast Asia,Thailand hopes to develop its own economy with the help of Japan,balance China’s influence,and consolidate its position in ASEAN.In the future,relations between Japan and Thailand still face many uncertain factors,However,due to the absence of historical legacy problems between the two countries,Thailand’s alert and prevention against Japan is weak,and Japan has established a good national image in Thailand through"economic diplomacy"such as compensation,official development assistance,trade,investment and so on,and gained a more positive perception in the hearts of the Thai people.Therefore,the above uncertain factors will not fundamentally affect the relations between the two countries.