Fallout from security bills: Japan’s diplomacy crucial to maintaining regional stability

Fallout from security bills: Japan's diplomacy crucial to maintaining regional stability

TOKYO — Peace through strength was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s rallying cry in passing the controversial security bills last week. But if the measures incite new tension, his goal of maintaining peace and stability in East Asia will be self-defeating.

     “We value our relationship with China, but at the same time we must not let down our guard, even in the slightest.” Abe said those words back in late July upon reports that China was building oil and gas exploration platforms close to a disputed area in the East China Sea.

     During the legislative debate on the security measures, Abe said, “The U.S. military and Self-Defense Forces working together will improve our deterrence capabilities, and we will be able to maintain peace in the region.”

     He emphasized the risks posed by China and North Korea. “China is intensifying activities in the South China Sea, accelerating its large-scale island-building project in a one-sided manner,” he said.

     “Why is China being made into a potential enemy?” asked a person with ties to the Chinese foreign ministry. The source also wondered if Japan will take military actions outside of its defense-only policy or intervene in the South China Sea.

     China’s defense ministry echoed those concerns, on Saturday accusing Japan of a “Cold War mentality.” In late August, China and Russia held joint amphibious drills of unprecedented scope off of Russia’s eastern coast facing the Sea of Japan, a move seen as a show of strength directed at Japan.

     “Both deterrence and engagement make up our China policies, but the Abe government is putting too much emphasis on deterrence,” said a worried veteran of Japan’s foreign ministry. As it wields its deterrence capabilities, Japan needs to continue talking and building friendly relations with China.

     Japan will also need South Korea’s cooperation in curbing North Korea’s ambitions. However, Seoul has reservations about the security legislation, especially in light of Japan’s past colonial activities.

     In August, the Japanese foreign ministry tried to gain Seoul’s understanding on the security bills, saying they would not present drawbacks to South Korea. But the other side balked, citing public opinion as an obstacle.

     Hideshi Tokuchi, Japan’s vice minister of defense, met with South Korean counterpart Baek Seung-joo at a Seoul hotel on Sept. 11. However, Baek put his foot down: “Any matter affecting the security of the Korean peninsula must be requested and agreed to by South Korea.” When Tokuchi suggested another bilateral defense summit to follow the one in May, Baek merely replied, “we will consider it carefully.”

     The Japanese side was not able to bring up a possible General Security of Military Information Agreement between Japan and South Korea, or an Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement, in which the two countries will exchange fuel and other support.

     “We will finally establish a climate for a vigorous foreign policy in Asia, so let us secure our foothold in taking a panoramic perspective of the world map,” said Abe earlier this month to the foreign ministry top brass. However, he still has to contend with touchy historical and territorial issues. The new security measures will not be effective absent effective diplomacy.

(Nikkei)

Fallout from security bills: Japan's diplomacy crucial to maintaining regional stability