Hasten the Rebuilding of Abe Diplomacy in the Japanese-US Axis

Japan is about to challenge the international order, making no attempt to acknowledge its history of aggression. China has continued this kind of criticism of Japan all over the world, specifically over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine. It is propaganda meant to isolate Japan, but has triggered the interest of American and European media.

Given these circumstances, there were many questions concerning Japanese-Chinese relations at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (in Davos, Switzerland), attended by Prime Minister Abe. The prime minister, citing the lessons of British-German relations during World War I, made a remark to the effect that dialogue is necessary between the leaders of Japan and China.

Nevertheless, it was mistakenly reported that [Abe] had coached them on the risk of a Japanese-Chinese armed conflict — [that it would be] a one-act play that caused wide repercussions.

Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine has undeniably created leeway that has given strength to China’s unfounded anti-Japanese propaganda. The Abe administration must correct this situation as soon as possible.

First, it is necessary to present the facts objectively and calmly refute China’s criticisms point by point. China’s aim is simply to draw the Abe administration into a quagmire of controversial history and isolate it internationally. Simply accepting the challenge would be playing right into China’s hands.

The best policy for the Abe administration is — without getting involved in historical issues — to steadily continue diplomatic and security cooperation with the countries that have carefully watched the rise of China.

Japanese-U.S. relations would be a starting point for reviving Abe’s diplomacy. The U.S. government has expressed disappointment at the visit to Yasukuni Shrine, but has taken a break from this issue to make clear its intent to accelerate the strengthening of the alliance.

When national security adviser Shotaro Yachi visited the U.S. in the middle of this month, he corresponded with U.S. national security adviser Rice, Secretary of State Kerry and Secretary of Defense Hagel, affirming the cooperation. What we’re looking at is a buildup of China’s military and an intensifying situation in North Korea.

Accordingly, the major challenge will be improving relations with South Korea, which have chilled over historical issues. It’s not just Japanese-U.S. unity but South Korean cooperation as well that is indispensable for addressing the North Korea issue.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Burns, who visited Japan last week, indicated a strong expectation that Japan and South Korea mend relations. Prime Minister Abe has already called for a summit meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye. At the summit, I would like President Park to shift her approach toward resolution of the conflict through dialogue.