In 2022, China and Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations. The normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China in 1972 brought the long-standing abnormal relationship back to normal and opened a new chapter in history. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations, Sino-Japanese relations have changed dynamically over the past 50 years, moving back and forth between “conflict” and “friendship” centered on past historical issues and economic cooperation. However, unlike Sino-Japanese relations when diplomatic relations were normalized, Sino-Japanese relations have changed competitively due to the “transfer of power” between the two countries. In particular, the U.S.-China conflict has affected Sino-Japanese relations in various ways. In order to understand the changes in Sino-Japanese relations more accurately, it is necessary to look back on the past transition process of Sino-Japanese relations and explore the factors behind the changes in the relations. Therefore, this paper reviews the historical context of the 50 years of normalization of diplomatic Sino-Japanese relations and analyzes the factors that have caused changes in the bilateral relations. Finally, it provides Japan’s response measures and the position that Sino-Japanese relations should take in the future. According to the results of this study, regarding Sino-Japanese tension, the international factors such as the U.S.-China strategic competition and the Taiwan issue, and the domestic factors such as changes in the two countries’ identities and threat perceptions, worked independently or in combination to influence the bilateral relationship. This phenomenon is a challenging factor in the positioning of new Sino-Japanese relations. Therefore, a new set of norms is required on how to recon figure the bilateral relations in the future.
