With Japan, US May Be Losing Some Diplomatic Ground to China-NY Times 01/24/10

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

This NY Times article reports that many many political experts believe that Japan's willingness to engage with Beijing on economic issues may result in weaker ties between Japan and the United States politically and economically. The experts argue that Japan is rethinking its role in the region as they have witnessed the rise of China and the decline of the United States. According to the article, China has already surpassed the US as Japan's number one trading partner Moreover, the article claims that the Chinese leadership has been more skilled that its US counterparts diplomatically, and is seeking to drive a wedge between Japan and the United States.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the amount of skillful diplomacy, claimed by the author, from China and Japan (and visa-versa) is the result of cultural similarities/negotiation styles between the two nations. From one nation of group-thinkers to another, could certain ways of conduct would be feel more natural than having to learn such protocols from an individualistic mind-set (like the US)?

[Anonymous]

All this may very well be true, BUT I wonder JUST how willing China would be to involve itself WHOLEHEARTEDLY in trade with Japan given the black recent history between the two, and Japan's seeming unwillingness to acknowledge and apologize. I wonder just HOW important a role 'saving face' and 'pride' would play in such a trade future?

[Anonymous]

I am just wondering how would the new Japanese generation think about solving this conflict. The world must consider new flesh, new blood and new ideas about changing old resentments, and unsolved matters between these two countries. I am sure new leaders might think differently, on stabilization, on integration of modern ways to unify and work together.

[Anonymous]

It could happen. I truly believe anything is possible, and especially any pushes for economic or security/political reasons, could make for much closer relationships. We're talking about best interests here, and if best interests are served with better relationships, the motivation will be there to make that happen.

[Anonymous]

In the January 30, 2010, Los Angeles Times, there was an article about the controversy surrounding the renewal of the U.S. military bases in Okinawa, Japan. It stated that "some politicians.. try to place the base controversy in the context of the left-leaning Hatoyama's desire to improve relations with China and the rest of Asia -- which they believe is leading to weakened relations with the U.S." The article goes onto state that "when it comes to China, Japan is only doing what the U.S. is doing: engaging with a major economic partner while keeping an eye on its military capabilities."

[Anonymous]

Isn't this history in action? Sounds like been there and coming around again. Interesting.

[Author]

Posts