High hopes accompanied the congratulations from China and the
Republic of Korea for Japan's new Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. Both
are expecting positive moves from the Abe administration to mend
fences.
Japan's relationships with its two neighbors are of great
importance far beyond Asia. While congratulating Abe on Tuesday,
the White House hoped that he will be a good force for the
Asia-Pacific region.
The rise of Abe, the first prime minister born after World War
II, to the top government post marks a new turning point for
Japanese politics and the country's relations with the rest of the
world.
Abe faces a Japan that is at a crossroads following his
predecessor Junichiro Koizumi's reforms, which have had
far-reaching consequences in the economic and social realms.
The Koizumi administration has left him two negative legacies.
On the diplomatic front, there are strained relations with Asian
neighbors, especially China and the ROK; on the economic front,
there is a widening wealth gap among Japanese as a result of the
market-oriented reforms.
Abe is committed to finding the country's niche in the world.
Naming his administration the "nation-building Cabinet," Abe said
on Tuesday that he wants Japan to revive family values, be proud of
its identity and take leadership in international affairs.
Before assuming his post, he unveiled a policy platform aimed at
creating what he called "a beautiful country: Japan."
He called for a "departure from the post-war regime" by amending
the Constitution to make it "appropriate for Japan" in a new era
and reforming the education system.
On diplomacy, Abe spoke of the importance of improving relations
with China and the ROK in addition to the already strong Japan-US
ties.
Abe retained Foreign Minister Taro Aso from the Koizumi
administration. Shortly after his re-appointment, Aso said the
Japanese Government will be working towards holding summit talks
with China. The heads of the two countries have not met since April
2005 due to Koizumi's annual pilgrimages to the war-related
Yasukuni Shrine.
Abe also pledged to bolster the economy and plow ahead with
structural reform.
His cards, then, are now on the table. Abe has designs for a
stronger Japan and has pledged to pursue a more active diplomacy.
His new diplomacy will enable Japan at times to take leadership and
assert its opinion to set the world rules.
Some of Abe's new designs, such as establishing five new posts
for aides in charge of important issues, will strengthen the
functions of the prime minister's office.
It will take time to see how Abe's leadership can change the
face of Japan and the rest of Asia.
His molding of a stronger Japan will have an impact on Asia and
the world, hopefully for the better.
(China Daily September 28, 2006)
