Time for Asia to win back Japan's attention
- Source: Global Times
- [02:11 September 18 2009]
- Comments
Despite being geologically one of Asia's giants, over a long period of time, Japan has allowed its attention to drift away from the region, with its diplomatic priorities lying with the US, instead of its Asian neighbors.
Now, it's time for Asia to win it back.
Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has pledged to make a change. He has called for establishing an Eastern Asian community and stressed a more "equal" relationship with the US.
A win-win situation can thus be achieved, benefiting both Japan and Asia at large.
But translating ideas into reality poses challenges. Japan's focus has been taken away from Asia by numerous complicated and entangled forces: the disturbing historical resonance of World War II, the long-standing US military presence in Japan, the deep mistrust and rivalry for regional leadership among Asian nations, and negative public sentiment.
The world's second largest economy has seen another lost decade in terms of economic growth, coupled with the deep impact of the global financial crisis and the social problems generated from an increasingly aging population.
The Japanese public has become so impatient with its government that frequent political earthquakes have taken place and the over-50-year unbroken rule of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been ended by Hatoyama's left-of-center Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
Circumstances call for Japan to play a more active role in the region's development. The Hatoyama administration's stated intent to prioritize its Asian neighbors is a welcome one. Hopefully, Japan will give more consideration to the interests of its neighbors in its policy making process.
Now, goodwill signals need to be sent to Japan by China, India and all its other Asian neighbors. And above all, prompt actions must be taken.
The largest emerging economy, China has a crucial role to play in setting the tone for a new period of closeness with its important neighbor.
Every Asian nation must bear in mind that its sustainable development cannot be achieved without the common development of its neighbors.
It will be a test of skill and wisdom to achieve economic growth and bring real benefits to each nation in the region.
Mutual public dislike and simmering rivalries must not be allowed to hold Asia's future hostage. Instead, reasoned and fair approaches should be the main components of strategic thinking by all Asian nations.
Japan is undoubtedly a major player on the Asian "team," a member that cannot be left out.
It is economically intertwined with other nations, but beyond that, mutual trust clear of the old cold war mentality should also be a cornerstone of its engagement with the region. The soil of trust and tolerance must be cultivated or we won't go far.
Japan's return to the Asian fold won't be any different. It will hinge on the joint efforts of all Asian nations, and offers hope of real stability and sustainable prosperity.
