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Since taking office as Japan's Prime Minister for the second time, Shinzo Abe's foreign policy posture has been under close scrutiny. Most have been concerned about his proposal to revise the Japanese Constitution, and how he has handled various expressions of nationalist sentiment from members of his ruling coalition. Some are also taking note of Abe's recent visits to Russia and the Middle East. In this Policy Alert, we examine commentaries from Japan, China, South Korea, Russia and India.
JAPAN
Opinion is sharply divided on the question of revising Japan's constitution to allow the country's Self-Defense Forces to strike hostile nations if Japan comes under threat.
- Liberal-leaning papers have been strongly opposed to such constitutional revisions. "We are alarmed by this move," worried the Asahi Shimbun. "Isn't it more likely to aggravate, rather than ease, regional tensions and lead to an arms race?"
- The Mainichi News was more moderate in its criticism, saying that "the question of the SDF's use of weapons in U.N. peacekeeping operations should be considered separately from operations to protect Japanese nationals." It also voiced concern that procedural changes which would make it easier to initiate constitutional amendments risked undermining parliamentary democracy.
The positions of the Asahi and Mainichi were also reflected in their criticism of revisionist interpretations of Japan's role as an aggressor in WWII, as exemplified in comments by Abe and other senior members of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The papers were more similar in their criticism of Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto, who recently remarked that sex slaves during WWII were necessary and that U.S. troops currently in Okinawa should use legal prostitutes.
On other foreign policy fronts, Japanese commentary welcomed Japan-Russia cooperation in economic and security affairs, and looked forward to making steady progress on negotiating territorial disputes with Moscow. Regarding Japan's diplomacy in the Middle East, some frowned upon Abe's efforts to export Japan's nuclear technology, arguing that "in its rush to grab business opportunities offered by surging demand for nuclear power, the Japanese government is showing no sign of giving thoughtful consideration" to the "urgent and formidable challenge" to prevent nuclear proliferation.
CHINA
Chinese commentary has lambasted Abe and his party for their nationalistic comments.
- "These are clear signs of militarism rearing its head in Japan," argued a Nankai University professor in a China Daily op-ed. "By following this path, Abe is making a fool of himself....It's time he realized that his lamentable lack of foresight and right-wing zeal will sour Japan's relations with its neighbors and bring utter disgrace on the country."
The Global Times ran a series of editorials suggesting how China should respond:
KOREA
Editorials in Korea were also harshly critical of the Abe Administration's right-wing tendencies.
- The Chosun Ilbo expressed strong fear and anger at recent Japanese rhetoric: "Japanese politicians are trying to win votes...by appealing to populist, rightwing sentiment with their attempts to whitewash the unimaginable atrocities and slaughter...committed by Japanese troops during World War II. Nobody dares to counter that dangerous lurch to the right, in which Abe is a leading figure. That is why the country cannot be allowed to revise its pacifist constitution and arm itself again."
- "We are seriously concerned about the right-leaning path of Japanese politicians," wrote the Joong Ang Daily. "Abe seems to be hallucinating, blinded by the success of the low yen and the support of extreme rightists."
RUSSIA
During Abe's visit to Moscow in late April, the two countries agreed to prioritize Russian-Japanese trade, economic, investment and energy cooperation. Following Abe's visit, a number of major Russian energy firms now seek to expand their relations with Japan:
INDIA
Indians have been much less concerned about Abe's nationalistic rhetoric and more interested in the strategic and material interests behind Abe's foreign policy ventures.
- C. Raja Mohan, renowned expert in security studies and a columnist for the Indian Express, highly commended Abe for "pushing Japan into a rare moment of creative diplomacy." Known as a great-power realist, Mohan praised the "new strategic imagination" in Tokyo's efforts to reach out diplomatically and economically to Russia, improve ties with the Middle East, and revive its nuclear energy sector through exports.
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