The first battle between China and Japan occurred in the 7th century. Combine conflicts over Korea, piracy and islands in the East China Sea, and you're left with a long standing history of mutual contempt. Coming out of the isolationist period, Japan has no reason for cool relations with [i]any [/i]country, spare China. Instead, China is now their foremost ally and war partner.

Incidentally MagnificientOne, I completely agree that an alliance between Britain and France is almost as silly.