Japan Should Heed American Advice to Confront its History (Kanaloco Shimbun, Japan)

"The U.S. report emphasized the need for Japan to address its 'historical issues that continue to complicate relations with South Korea.' ... For the United States, a smooth relationship between South Korea and Japan is essential for keeping both China’s remarkable military rise and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development in check."

EDITORIAL

Translated By Anthony Figueroa

August 29, 2012

Japan - Kanaloco Shimbun - Original Article (Japanese)

The United States has begun to monitor the diplomatic situation involving Takeshima, the Senkaku Islands and the Northern Territories, as Japan finds itself embroiled in a heated dispute with neighboring countries over the territories’ sovereignty.

This sudden attention is reflected by a report containing the views of a non-partisan U.S. group of foreign relations and security experts, which addresses U.S. policy on relations with Japan as well as Tokyo's own proposed policy plans.

The report was co-written by former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Harvard professor Joseph Nye and features some biting criticism, and asserts that if Japan wants to allow itself to fall to "tier-two" status, the report will be of little interest; however, "Our assessment of, and recommendations for, the alliance, depend on Japan being a full partner on the world stage, where she has much to contribute."

Posted by Worldmeets.US

The report also stresses that strong U.S.-Japan-South Korea relations are essential for maintaining stability in the region, illustrating the point by recalling June's joint defense exercises in the East China Sea involving aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the Japan Maritime Defense Force and the South Korean Navy. And the report emphasized the need for Japan to address its "historical issues that continue to complicate relations with South Korea," saying that doing so would be a "step in the right direction."

Yet recently, Japan-South Korea relations cooled with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s recent visit to Takeshima.

For the United States, a smooth relationship between South Korea and Japan is essential for keeping both China’s remarkable military rise and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development in check. That much has been clearly expressed by the U.S. press secretary, who rightly described in-fighting between the allied countries as unpleasant.

In a letter to the South Korean head of state, Prime Minister Noda called President Lee Myung-bak’s landing in Takeshima "undiplomatic behavior." Japan plans to appeal to the International Court of Justice regarding the Takeshima issue, as it is a dispute over territorial sovereignty.

Nevertheless, it is imperative for our countries to do whatever is necessary to avoid a situation in which the Japan-South Korea dispute adversely affects surrounding countries.

Presidential elections will be held in Korea this December. As we prepare for a new administration, talks and open dialogue should continue to ensure there is no worsening of the conflict.

As the countries involved look intently to the future, their diplomatic efforts will be put to the test. Our hope is that both Japanese and South Korean governments grasp the severity and grim reality of the current situation.

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