Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

Question: Discuss the main purpose of Kishidas tour, Comparison of Japans foreign policy agenda in the visit, Differences of Japans foreign policy agenda in the visit, Rivalry between Japan and China in Southeast Asia. Answer: Introduction Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida began his state visits to China and other South East Asia nations on April 30th 2016 in Beijing China. In May 1st 2016 he visited Thailand addressing delegates in an Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) policy meeting (Anon, 2016). He later moved on to Myanmar on May 3rd 2016 and held several bilateral meetings with top government leaders. On May 4th 2016 he paid a state visit to Laos and ended his visit in Vietnam on May 5th 2016 (Anon, 2016). The motivating factor to these state visits by the foreign minister can be attributed to Prime ministers Shinzo Abes quest for popularity based security jewel with economically strong nations such as United States and Australia and also reach for democratic relations with their neighbors that is South-East Asia nations (Aljazeera, 2016). This is due to of Japans realization that China had up surged them globally and regionally in terms of economy (Aljazeera, 2016) hence the continued lobbying by the minister. Main purpose of Kishidas tour The foreign minister was representing the countrys and government foreign agenda policies in the neighboring countries with the theme being continued bilateral relationships which maintain foreign trade, security and political harmony among them (Anon, 2016). In China he was seeking to affirm the importance of his countrys relationship and restoration of mutual respect alongside stressing the significance of economic cooperation especially by the youth and private enterprises (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). In Thailand not only was he there to address the ASEAN policy delegates on the need for embracing diverse cultures and human resource connectivity but also sign a Memorandum of Understanding to foster the agricultural sector (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). His visits to Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam focused on continued cooperation in all sectors of economy and respect for the rule of law as stipulated by International laws which they are all party to (Anon, 2016). Comparison of Japans foreign policy agenda in the visit The Japanese foreign minister tour in these five countries to meet with his foreign counterparts and discussed their countries close cooperation. The issue of reciprocal participation and vital organization emanated strongly as they stressed the importance of having continued links. This cooperation was to exist regionally and internationally so that a favorable working and investment environment can be achieved for Japanese people in these countries. On further enhancing regional cooperation the minister stressed the need of strengthening ASEAN community for further integration and correction of conflicting issues in the policy. Discussions were held on the relentless implementation of endeavors to fortify the East Asia Summit (EAS) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). On Maritime security between these countries minister Kishida clarified that the South China Sea is specifically connected to territorial peace and thriving and is a wellspring of shared sympathy toward the worldwide group including Japan, and focused on the significance of applying the rule of law (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). The foreign ministers concurred on the significance of the serene determination of contentions taking into account global laws and respect of human diversity. On the issue of North Korea minister Kishida expressed that the continuation of atomic weapon and rocket advancement, including ballistic rocket dispatches by North Korea, is inadmissible and that it is critical to reinforce weight on North Korea by entirely actualizing the Security Council resolutions and taking different measures, and that Japan wants to coordinate with ASEAN in regards to the snatchings issue and human rights infringement by North Korea (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). Differences of Japans foreign policy agenda in the visit The ministers visit targeted different economic cooperations among each country uniquely since resources in these countries also may differ. While in China minister Kishida advocated for realization of five departments to work on: ((a) full scale economy, money related and fiscal issues, (b) environment and energy-saving issues, (c) a low birthrate and a maturing populace, (d) tourism, and (e) fiasco counteractive action) (Anon, 2016). The Chinese government responded positively to these considerations. In Thailand the minister stressed clarified that Thailand's sustainable development was critical for Japan too, and that Japan means to keep the participation going on. While there the minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in regard to the agricultural sector so as to further create a favorable investment environment between the two countries. In respect to the national referendum scheduled for August 2016 in Thailand the minister hailed the process of placing power to the people and forming a democratic government (The Asahi Shimbun, 2016) In Myanmar minister Kishida clarified that the government of Japan plans to give undeniable backing, while figuring a particular project of participation, predominantly in the fields of employment creation, farming, and medicinal services, where the government of Myanmar is putting accentuation. He additionally remarked Japans arrangements to collaborate in reinforcing networks through framework building, framework changes, and human asset preparing under the Japan-Mekong Connectivity Initiative (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). While in Laos the minister put forward a proposal on formulation of a joint development cooperation plan in agreement with Japan-Mekong connectivity initiative. Finally in Vietnam the minister signed ODA projects as a way to strengthen the strategic partnerships between the two nations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2016). Rivalry between Japan and China in Southeast Asia From this visit to China by the minister it is evident that rivalries do exist at a suppressed form in that the two countries are striving to improve bilateral relationship which seemed to be falling apart. The minister in his speech remarked that the visit was the first after four years which is quite a long time. The two nations are close neighbors who thrive in different ideologies and the minister was calling for an open dialogue to address contentious issues between them (Anon, 2016). These issues may be linked to the East and South China Sea, Taiwan independence among other issues. Conclusion The ministers tour may have a significant impact imminently in the future as Japans foreign policy was deeply articulated and bilateral ties strengthen. It was an important step in making Japan a big player globally in Socio-economic and political ties. References Anon, (2016). [image] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSyCE_iPZcofeature=youtu.be [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Aljazeera (2016). The new Japanese assertiveness in Asia Pacific. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/04/japanese-assertiveness-asia-pacific-160405103357842.html [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2016). Foreign Minister Kishida Visits China. [online] Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/c_m1/cn/page3e_000489.html#section2 [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2016). ASEAN Policy Speech Diversity and Connectivity Role of Japan as a Partner by H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida Minister fo... [online] Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/rp/page4e_000424.html [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2016). Foreign Minister Kishida Meets with State Counselor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar. [online] Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sea1/mm/page3e_000487.html [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2016). Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers' Meeting. [online] Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sea1/la/page3e_000485.html [Accessed 28 May 2016]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2016). Japan-Viet Nam Foreign Ministers' Meeting. [online] Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sea1/vn/page3e_000488.html [Accessed 28 May 2016]. The Asahi Shimbun. (2016). In Bangkok, Kishida reaffirms Japans economic ties to ThailandThe Asahi Shimbun. [online] Available at: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201605020017.html [Accessed 28 May 2016].