Japan-America Relations as a Standard

It is predicted that next year, America and Russia will participate in the East Asia Summit (EAS), which has been the framework for advancing cooperation in the East Asian region.

With China coming to the forefront both economically and militarily, in order to preserve East Asia’s peace and prosperity, it is desirable that America boosts its presence here. Boosting America’s presence is also in agreement with Japan’s national interests.

The government in general, covering this region’s economics, diplomacy and security, should deepen cooperation with America.

Founded in Vietnam, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s foreign minister meeting welcomed both America’s and Russia’s participation in the EAS. It was at the October ASEAN summit meeting that this was decided.

EAS, which was founded in 2005, is comprised of the 10 countries in the ASEAN, along with Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Compared to Russia, which aspired to participate ever since the summit’s establishment, America — with China seeming to move to exclude America — at first sought to distance itself from the EAS. There was also the cautious theory in the ASEAN that if a major power joined, we would be liable to be absorbed by it.

This discussion about America’s participation recently arose within the ASEAN, and the Obama administration also indicated a proactive approach and at once embodied it.

It seems the conclusion was that when advancing the area’s economic cooperation, America’s absence was rather unnatural, since it is an export partner on par with China.

At least, urging America’s participation was in line with guaranteeing security.

China’s movement to augment its navy’s power increased wariness in countries like Vietnam, Singapore and India.

America’s traditional attitude of discretion has taken a complete turn, and in addition to deciding to participate in the EAS, it is probably keeping an eye on China’s magnification of military clout.

Also, as far as Japan is concerned, it can welcome its ally America’s emphasis on participation in East Asia. Action in various spheres, such as maritime traffic routes (sea-lanes), the guarantee of safety and disaster-prevention collaboration, will become feasible through cooperation with America.

However, on one hand the former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama called upon the “East Asian community,” and uttered things like, “So far, we have depended on the U.S. too much.” The widely known impression that the Japan-America alliance was unstable and uneasy was not only inspired in America, but also in other Asian countries.

It is essential that Prime Minister Naoto Kan, in light of America’s opportunity to participate in the EAS, deepen the relations with each East Asian nation all the more, using Japan-America relations as the standard.