[Sputonic] What's Behind Japan 'Wavering' Between Two Opposing Policies Towards Russia
The Japanese government will apply a "two-directional" approach to its relations with Russia, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a diplomatic source in Tokyo. According to this strategy, Tokyo will further consider options for economic cooperation with Moscow while keeping in place anti-Russian sanctions, in order to comply with the G7.
https://sputniknews.com/politics/201612301049139205-russia-japan-ties/
15:34 30.12.2016
Analysts suggest that such a policy will not be welcomed, not only by the United States and the European Union, but also by Russia. All major actors are likely to ask Tokyo to decide on its foreign policy agenda and economic policy, according to reports in Japanese media. Japan joined Western sanctions against Russia in March 2014. Despite the fact that they have not been as effective as planned, they have casted a shadow over Moscow-Tokyo ties. At the time, the Japanese government decided to suspend consultations with Moscow on visa liberalization and put on ice talks on three agreements, including on investments, space exploration and prevention of dangerous military activities. © AP PHOTO/ ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO, POOL 'Uncertainty of Trump's Policy Towards Japan' Prompts Tokyo to Develop Ties With Russia As continuation to the final declaration of the G7 summit in Japanese Mie Prefecture, anti-Russian sanctions were prolonged. They were connected with the implementation on the Minsk agreement on the Ukrainian crisis. The declaration also read that sanctions against Russia could be further expanded. However, sanctions could not prevent Moscow and Tokyo from intensifying bilateral economic cooperation. In mid-December, an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan resulted in a package of 12 interstate agreements and 65 commercial projects with a total worth of $2.5 billion. Among them were cooperation agreements with Russian companies under Western sanctions, including Russia’s major oil producer Rosneft. © REUTERS/ TORU HANAI Putin, Abe Achieved Progress at Recent Talks, But Window of Opportunity Might Close Soon At the same time, the Japanese Foreign Ministry has already announced relaxation of visa restrictions for Russia. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe "will have to waver" between these two opposing strategies, according to Vladimir Grinyuk, a senior research fellow at the Center for Japanese Studies, at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies. "On the one hand, Abe is determined to develop cooperation with Russia. On the other hand, Japan is an ally of the US and a member of G7. I think that if necessary Abe could minimize Japan’s involvement in anti-Russian sanctions, but in a way that Washington and Brussels do not oppose that," Grinyuk told Sputnik Japanese. The expert underscored that Japanese sanctions were not very "sensitive" for Russia and bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tokyo. © FLICKR/ PETER Kuril Islands Should Become Co-Residence Zone for Japanese, Russians - Abe The priority goal of the Japanese government is ending the South Kuril Islands territorial problem, a dispute that has marred Russian-Japanese ties since the end of World War II. Japan and Russia never signed a permanent peace treaty after the war due to a disagreement over four islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kurils and Japan the Northern Territories. The disputed islands, located in the Sea of Okhotsk, were claimed by Soviet forces at the end of the war. "Abe’s priorities are a peace treaty with Russia and reclaiming of the Kuril islets. This is why Tokyo needs special relations with Moscow," Grinyuk pointed out. Probably, Abe will have to explain the reasons for "special relations" with Russia at the next G7 meeting which will take place on May 26-27 in Italy. Sanctions against Russia will be on the agenda. However, there are several important events expected before the summit. © AP PHOTO/ RICHARD DREW Ex-Adviser: Kissinger Role as Trump Adviser Welcome Boost for US-Russia Ties On January 20, new US President Donald Trump will assume power. Earlier this week, the German newspaper Bild reported that according to European intelligence data the new US leader would begin the removal of anti-Russian sanctions, on advice from former State Secretary Henry Kissinger. Kissinger has reportedly met with Trump several times in the past couple of months and is rumored to be his informal foreign policy adviser. Moreover, Italian President Sergio Mattarella is expected to come to Russia for an official visit in Spring 2017. Finally, Abe wants to visit Russia in early-2017 to continue discussions on a peace treaty between Moscow and Tokyo. According to the Japanese prime minister, during Putin’s visit to Japan several important steps were made and now there is a chance to improve bilateral ties.
------------------------
[jamawns comment]
------------------------
We expect the power of reconciliation. It is already proved in Pearl Harbor.
Here, most important step is "give the credit where it is due" mind, or rule of law. US and Japan have kept words/promises on both business and private, and cherished relationship in order to surmount huge hate emotions among citizens. Both Russia and Japan believe own justice, respect each other and follow rule of law, someday they will settle the territorial issue on the International Court of Justice for better future to remove negative feeling among citizens.
----------------------------
@ivanwa88,
As you mention history, I mention my understanding below.
Stalin decided war against Japan at Yalta Conference on February in 1945 and sent message on April in 1945 to Japan ‘NOT extending the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact’ which would be expired on April in 1946 and still valid for a year until on April in 1946 if one signatory nation denounce one-sidedly. Stalin planned to start war late August in 1945. When Stalin knew U.S. had succeeded atomic bomb development, he decided war starting on August 15 then on August 11, and knew U.S. had dropped in Hiroshima, he declared war on August 8 then started invading on August 9 1945 though the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact was valid. Even after Japan accepted Potsdam Declaration in August 14 and disarmed on August 17, U.S.S.R. continued invading until September 2 1945. Shall we get the ball rolling toward Russo-Japan Peace Treaty? Today's Japanese pretty much like President Putin and feel good toward Russia. Russia is not USSR communism any more as Japanese of course hate such governing by fear and violence. Without settling territorial issue, any relationship such as business, civil communication, friendship activities and political stability cannot attain between Japan and Russia. Japanese surely potentially always think and feel 'Russians are outlaw and comfortable to betray anytime' due to the USSR violation of the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact in 1945. Russian may think and feel a kind of the same against Japanese 'distortion'. In order to remove seriously deep distrust emotion among Japan-Russo citizens for long-lasting/ ever-lasting, clear fair international legal judgement to sincerely follow will be able to help. "Unconditional surrender" is not correct. Potsdam Declaration has several conditions with unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces in article 13. For example, Article 9 says The Japanese military forces shall be permitted to return to their homes. Article 10 says UN do not intend that the Japanese shall be enslaved as a race or destroyed as a nation. Freedom of speech, of religion, and of thought, as well as respect for the fundamental human rights shall be established. Article 11 says Japanese participation in world trade relations shall be permitted. Article 12 says The occupying forces of the Allies shall be withdrawn from Japan. THEN, article 13 says UN [call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction.] www.ndl.go.jp/constitution/e/etc/c06.html
----------------------------
@ivanwa88,
While I mentioned USSR's violation of Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact, You mentioned Yalta Treaty and Soviet–Japanese Joint Declaration.
Each of us believes own justice. I think majority of both citizens believe own justice respectively. Do you think the territorial issue should be solved by International Court of Justice to build mutual understanding and remove mutual distrust among citizens? JAPAN HAS ACCEPTED THE JURISDICTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AS COMPULSORY. Every country has its own history. As long as you believe your justice and your justice is right,International Court of Justice will strictly chose you. The door to dialogue is always open on Japan's side Is there any reason that Russia is afraid of International Court of Justice?
-----------------------------------
@ivanwa88,
First, wrong was your assumption that 'History has determined that Japan by its aggression in WW2 lost that right'. History is science, not politics. You should focus on the fact without brain freezing, not denying but accepting.
Second, you confused ''anti Russian stance" with anti communism" in Japan. Russia is not communist country any more. Third, you cannot justify illegal occupation by military reason, though military reason is the essential concern for Russia. Idea such as Peace treaty with Neutrality Pact can be work. Finally, please tell me why Russia has been afraid of International Court of Justice, or rule of law? goo.gl/Onnbtl Happy new year.
-----------------------------------------
@ivanwa88,
[Legal aspect]
In 1972 PM Masayoshi Ohira of Japan asked to bring the issue to International Court of Justice with FM Andrei Andreevich Gromyko of USSR, however, the USSR refused Japan's proposal. Both countries have recently undertaken a diplomatic negotiation about this, so at the moment it'll be counterproductive to use ICJ. Whatever win or lose, ICJ will remove emotional friction among both people, too.
[Pres Putin's assertion in Japan]
(1)Pres Putin asserted that Russo-Japan Peace treaty is the most important. (Here, peace treaty is supposed to settle territorial issue.) (2)Pres Putin admitted valid US-Japan alliance and concerned expansion of US-base to Kuril area. (He inferred nesesity of some guarantee of free from military scheme.) (3)Pres Putin accepted Joint-development scheme, or rule of law. (Russia is not qualified for Official develop assistance of Japan. If Russia wanted money, he would simply require newly specialized scheme of official development of Japan. Here, He clearly recognized importance of formenting mutual trust.) (4) Pres Putin said that Russia and Japan will reach peace treaty if both follow PM Abe's proposal.
[Example of Shceme]
(1)Russia follows Russian law, Japan follows Japanese law, Joint projects follow Joint law. (2)Japan shows Russia guarantee of non US military expansion zone in Kuril area, proposing to Japan-US Joint Committee.
-------------------------
Again, please tell me why Russia has been afraid of International Court of Justice, or rule of law? If Russia is afraid of noting , ICJ will great and quick help to convince both citizens for generation to generation. Please remember, JAPAN HAS ACCEPTED THE JURISDICTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AS COMPULSORY.
The Japanese government will apply a "two-directional" approach to its relations with Russia, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a diplomatic source in Tokyo. According to this strategy, Tokyo will further consider options for economic cooperation with Moscow while keeping in place anti-Russian sanctions, in order to comply with the G7.
https://sputniknews.com/politics/201612301049139205-russia-japan-ties/
15:34 30.12.2016
Analysts suggest that such a policy will not be welcomed, not only by the United States and the European Union, but also by Russia. All major actors are likely to ask Tokyo to decide on its foreign policy agenda and economic policy, according to reports in Japanese media. Japan joined Western sanctions against Russia in March 2014. Despite the fact that they have not been as effective as planned, they have casted a shadow over Moscow-Tokyo ties. At the time, the Japanese government decided to suspend consultations with Moscow on visa liberalization and put on ice talks on three agreements, including on investments, space exploration and prevention of dangerous military activities. © AP PHOTO/ ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO, POOL 'Uncertainty of Trump's Policy Towards Japan' Prompts Tokyo to Develop Ties With Russia As continuation to the final declaration of the G7 summit in Japanese Mie Prefecture, anti-Russian sanctions were prolonged. They were connected with the implementation on the Minsk agreement on the Ukrainian crisis. The declaration also read that sanctions against Russia could be further expanded. However, sanctions could not prevent Moscow and Tokyo from intensifying bilateral economic cooperation. In mid-December, an official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan resulted in a package of 12 interstate agreements and 65 commercial projects with a total worth of $2.5 billion. Among them were cooperation agreements with Russian companies under Western sanctions, including Russia’s major oil producer Rosneft. © REUTERS/ TORU HANAI Putin, Abe Achieved Progress at Recent Talks, But Window of Opportunity Might Close Soon At the same time, the Japanese Foreign Ministry has already announced relaxation of visa restrictions for Russia. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe "will have to waver" between these two opposing strategies, according to Vladimir Grinyuk, a senior research fellow at the Center for Japanese Studies, at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies. "On the one hand, Abe is determined to develop cooperation with Russia. On the other hand, Japan is an ally of the US and a member of G7. I think that if necessary Abe could minimize Japan’s involvement in anti-Russian sanctions, but in a way that Washington and Brussels do not oppose that," Grinyuk told Sputnik Japanese. The expert underscored that Japanese sanctions were not very "sensitive" for Russia and bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tokyo. © FLICKR/ PETER Kuril Islands Should Become Co-Residence Zone for Japanese, Russians - Abe The priority goal of the Japanese government is ending the South Kuril Islands territorial problem, a dispute that has marred Russian-Japanese ties since the end of World War II. Japan and Russia never signed a permanent peace treaty after the war due to a disagreement over four islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kurils and Japan the Northern Territories. The disputed islands, located in the Sea of Okhotsk, were claimed by Soviet forces at the end of the war. "Abe’s priorities are a peace treaty with Russia and reclaiming of the Kuril islets. This is why Tokyo needs special relations with Moscow," Grinyuk pointed out. Probably, Abe will have to explain the reasons for "special relations" with Russia at the next G7 meeting which will take place on May 26-27 in Italy. Sanctions against Russia will be on the agenda. However, there are several important events expected before the summit. © AP PHOTO/ RICHARD DREW Ex-Adviser: Kissinger Role as Trump Adviser Welcome Boost for US-Russia Ties On January 20, new US President Donald Trump will assume power. Earlier this week, the German newspaper Bild reported that according to European intelligence data the new US leader would begin the removal of anti-Russian sanctions, on advice from former State Secretary Henry Kissinger. Kissinger has reportedly met with Trump several times in the past couple of months and is rumored to be his informal foreign policy adviser. Moreover, Italian President Sergio Mattarella is expected to come to Russia for an official visit in Spring 2017. Finally, Abe wants to visit Russia in early-2017 to continue discussions on a peace treaty between Moscow and Tokyo. According to the Japanese prime minister, during Putin’s visit to Japan several important steps were made and now there is a chance to improve bilateral ties.
------------------------
[jamawns comment]
------------------------
We expect the power of reconciliation. It is already proved in Pearl Harbor.
Here, most important step is "give the credit where it is due" mind, or rule of law. US and Japan have kept words/promises on both business and private, and cherished relationship in order to surmount huge hate emotions among citizens. Both Russia and Japan believe own justice, respect each other and follow rule of law, someday they will settle the territorial issue on the International Court of Justice for better future to remove negative feeling among citizens.
----------------------------
@ivanwa88,
As you mention history, I mention my understanding below.
Stalin decided war against Japan at Yalta Conference on February in 1945 and sent message on April in 1945 to Japan ‘NOT extending the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact’ which would be expired on April in 1946 and still valid for a year until on April in 1946 if one signatory nation denounce one-sidedly. Stalin planned to start war late August in 1945. When Stalin knew U.S. had succeeded atomic bomb development, he decided war starting on August 15 then on August 11, and knew U.S. had dropped in Hiroshima, he declared war on August 8 then started invading on August 9 1945 though the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact was valid. Even after Japan accepted Potsdam Declaration in August 14 and disarmed on August 17, U.S.S.R. continued invading until September 2 1945. Shall we get the ball rolling toward Russo-Japan Peace Treaty? Today's Japanese pretty much like President Putin and feel good toward Russia. Russia is not USSR communism any more as Japanese of course hate such governing by fear and violence. Without settling territorial issue, any relationship such as business, civil communication, friendship activities and political stability cannot attain between Japan and Russia. Japanese surely potentially always think and feel 'Russians are outlaw and comfortable to betray anytime' due to the USSR violation of the Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact in 1945. Russian may think and feel a kind of the same against Japanese 'distortion'. In order to remove seriously deep distrust emotion among Japan-Russo citizens for long-lasting/ ever-lasting, clear fair international legal judgement to sincerely follow will be able to help. "Unconditional surrender" is not correct. Potsdam Declaration has several conditions with unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces in article 13. For example, Article 9 says The Japanese military forces shall be permitted to return to their homes. Article 10 says UN do not intend that the Japanese shall be enslaved as a race or destroyed as a nation. Freedom of speech, of religion, and of thought, as well as respect for the fundamental human rights shall be established. Article 11 says Japanese participation in world trade relations shall be permitted. Article 12 says The occupying forces of the Allies shall be withdrawn from Japan. THEN, article 13 says UN [call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction.] www.ndl.go.jp/constitution/e/etc/c06.html
----------------------------
@ivanwa88,
While I mentioned USSR's violation of Soviet-Japan Neutrality Pact, You mentioned Yalta Treaty and Soviet–Japanese Joint Declaration.
Each of us believes own justice. I think majority of both citizens believe own justice respectively. Do you think the territorial issue should be solved by International Court of Justice to build mutual understanding and remove mutual distrust among citizens? JAPAN HAS ACCEPTED THE JURISDICTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AS COMPULSORY. Every country has its own history. As long as you believe your justice and your justice is right,International Court of Justice will strictly chose you. The door to dialogue is always open on Japan's side Is there any reason that Russia is afraid of International Court of Justice?
-----------------------------------
@ivanwa88,
First, wrong was your assumption that 'History has determined that Japan by its aggression in WW2 lost that right'. History is science, not politics. You should focus on the fact without brain freezing, not denying but accepting.
Second, you confused ''anti Russian stance" with anti communism" in Japan. Russia is not communist country any more. Third, you cannot justify illegal occupation by military reason, though military reason is the essential concern for Russia. Idea such as Peace treaty with Neutrality Pact can be work. Finally, please tell me why Russia has been afraid of International Court of Justice, or rule of law? goo.gl/Onnbtl Happy new year.
-----------------------------------------
@ivanwa88,
[Legal aspect]
In 1972 PM Masayoshi Ohira of Japan asked to bring the issue to International Court of Justice with FM Andrei Andreevich Gromyko of USSR, however, the USSR refused Japan's proposal. Both countries have recently undertaken a diplomatic negotiation about this, so at the moment it'll be counterproductive to use ICJ. Whatever win or lose, ICJ will remove emotional friction among both people, too.
[Pres Putin's assertion in Japan]
(1)Pres Putin asserted that Russo-Japan Peace treaty is the most important. (Here, peace treaty is supposed to settle territorial issue.) (2)Pres Putin admitted valid US-Japan alliance and concerned expansion of US-base to Kuril area. (He inferred nesesity of some guarantee of free from military scheme.) (3)Pres Putin accepted Joint-development scheme, or rule of law. (Russia is not qualified for Official develop assistance of Japan. If Russia wanted money, he would simply require newly specialized scheme of official development of Japan. Here, He clearly recognized importance of formenting mutual trust.) (4) Pres Putin said that Russia and Japan will reach peace treaty if both follow PM Abe's proposal.
[Example of Shceme]
(1)Russia follows Russian law, Japan follows Japanese law, Joint projects follow Joint law. (2)Japan shows Russia guarantee of non US military expansion zone in Kuril area, proposing to Japan-US Joint Committee.
-------------------------
Again, please tell me why Russia has been afraid of International Court of Justice, or rule of law? If Russia is afraid of noting , ICJ will great and quick help to convince both citizens for generation to generation. Please remember, JAPAN HAS ACCEPTED THE JURISDICTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AS COMPULSORY.