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Seminar on “Contending Paradigms of Japanese Diplomacy”

REGIONAL STRATEGY AND POLITICAL STUDIES PROGRAMME

Professor Yoshihide Soeya from Keio University, Faculty of Law, delivered a Lecture on “Contending Paradigms of Japanese Diplomacy” at the Institute

Dr Cook delivering the opening remarks of the Lecture and introducing Professor Yoshihide Soeya to the audience. (Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute)

6 March 2017, Professor Yoshihide Soeya from Keio University, Faculty of Law, delivered a Lecture on “Contending Paradigms of Japanese Diplomacy” chaired by ISEAS Senior Fellow, Dr Malcolm Cook at the Institute. Prof Soeya’s presentation discussed the implications of these changes for Japanese diplomacy toward Southeast Asia.

Professor Soeya delivering the Lecture on 6 March 2017. (Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute)

Professor Soeya shared his thoughts on the implications of China’s rise on Japanese foreign policy orientation and practice. He said that Japanese diplomacy and external relations after World War II have primarily been the product of international circumstances, particularly before the Cold War. Successive Japanese governments have had to contend with realities of Cold War tensions and rivalries. This included upholding Japan’s Peace Constitution while ensuring its security needs through the US-Japan Security Alliance.

The current geopolitical climate now requires the Japanese leadership to review how it responds to the new realities. Dealing with China’s rise is part of the new reality and it constitutes an important consideration for Japan’s foreign and security policy. He added it may now be timely to consider a long-term strategy that aims at leveraging on East Asia cooperation to “co-exist” with a stronger China while continuing the bilateral arrangements with Japan’s traditional security partners.

Participants at the Lecture (Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute)