The summit between Bush and Koizumi highlights the closeness of their countries
For Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, his visit to the United States in late June went beyond a formal summit with President George W. Bush.
Koizumi, a loyal Elvis Presley fan, thanked American people for “Love Me Tender” in his closing remarks at a nationally televised press conference with Bush at the White House, marking his curtain call as prime minister.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the two leaders agreed that the U.S.-Japan partnership stands as one of the most accomplished bilateral relationships in history. Indeed, Japan and the United States have had close ties during the administrations of the two leaders, who have maintained a good personal relationship as well. Thus, some international observers have speculated that the “honeymoon” of Tokyo and Washington may be over with Koizumi’s departure this September.
However, Shen Shishun, Director of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, does not agree.
“The closeness between Japan and the United States will not change, whoever the next Japanese prime minister is. There is no doubt that the two countries will maintain a close relationship because they have lots of mutual interests in the Asia-Pacific region,” Shen told Beijing Review.
The Japanese ministry said the United States and Japan stand together not only against mutual threats but also for the advancement of core universal values.
It specified the two sides share interests in winning the war on terror, maintaining regional stability and prosperity, promoting free market ideals and institutions, upholding human rights, securing freedom of navigation and commerce and enhancing global energy security. It is these common values and common interests that form the basis for bilateral regional and global cooperation.
Shen told Beijing Review that first of all, the two countries’ cooperation would be focused on collective security in the Asia-Pacific region.
The two sides acknowledged the tremendous progress in their security relationship achieved during the two leaders’ tenures. Bilateral security cooperation has deepened as a result of ballistic missile defense cooperation and legislation in Japan to deal with security contingencies.
Evolving security issues
They signed agreements to ensure the capabilities necessary for the alliance to cope with diverse challenges in the evolving security environment. The two leaders agreed that full and prompt implementation of these agreements is necessary, not only for Japan and the United States, but also for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
For the United States, Japan is a major ally in the Asia-Pacific. Through cooperation with Tokyo, Washington can keep a close watch on the situation and maintain its top role in the region. By binding itself together with the United States, Japan can be better involved in regional and international events, Shen pointed out.
Second, he said, for fear of China’s rise, their cooperation will include trying to keep China under their supervision. The Japanese Foreign Ministry noted that the two leaders affirmed that robust U.S.-Japan cooperation embraces the dynamism of China and helps to maintain peace and tranquility in Northeast Asia. They reaffirmed the importance of advancing strategic dialogues with friends and allies in the region such as Australia.
Third, they have mutual economic interests. For example, Japan is the biggest importer of U.S. beef. A total of 25 percent of beef Japanese consumed is coming from the United States, valued at over $1.4 billion annually. Although the Japanese side said security ranks above its economic interests in its relations with the United States, U.S. side may not have quite the same view. “To be frank, even without Japanese cooperation, the United States can still reach its security goal in the Asia-Pacific region,” noted Shen.
During the summit, the two sides also discussed the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Bush and the visiting Japanese prime minister warned that the launch of a long-range missile by North Korea would be “unacceptable.” For his part, Koizumi said that there would be “pressure” on North Korea if it decides to launch a missile.
North Korea test-fired several missiles on July 5, international media reported, including a Taepodong-2 long-range missile, which failed soon after its launch.
Shen said, however, U.S. and Japanese attitude would not affect the framework of six-party talks to resolve the Korean nuclear issue. “Both the United States and North Korea are still turning to diplomatic channels. Now, everything is under the six-party framework,” Shen said.
He forecast that future U.S.-Japan relations would concentrate on collective security, economic cooperation in the region and keeping China from assuming a major role that would diminish the two countries’ controlling position in the region. They will strengthen their cooperation with Australia and New Zealand, he added, as they are upgrading their strategic dialogues to a ministerial level now, but the latter two will not be as active as Japan and the United States on their China stance. Moreover, Japan is trying to get more U.S. support for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Shen pointed out that the United States hopes Japan changes its attitude on issues related to World War II and its prior occupation of China and Korea, which have aroused great opposition in those countries. “Washington worries that Tokyo’s behavior might hurt U.S. image in Asia due to their close ties,” he noted.