#28 ASEM, Japan-South Korea relations, Trade partnerships, US military base in Okinawa, Defence plans.
Here is a brief on the biweekly(15th- 30th, Nov.).
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida participated in ASEM
The US underscores the importance of improving the Japan-South Korea relationship
The Okinawan government opposes the relocation of the army base to Henoko
Japan considers acquiring enemy strike capabilities as an option to strengthen defence
Foreign Affairs.
1. The Asia-Europe Meeting
The Asia-Europe Meeting, a two-day virtual event, saw the participation of leaders from countries including Japan, 50 countries from across Europe and Asia, the European Union, and the ASEAN secretariat. In addition, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida voiced concerns over human rights violations in China's Hong Kong and Xinjiang region. Cambodia chaired the summit. While speaking at the closing ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said, "Over the past 25 years, ASEM has proven to be a vital platform, connecting Asia and Europe and promoting the partnership between the two continents."
The other key topics discussed at the summit were :
Myanmar's military coup.
Access to coronavirus vaccines for all nations.
Economic recovery from the pandemic.
2. Japan- South Korea Relations:
Kim Chang Yong, the head of South Korea's Police, visited the disputed islets, Dokdo, in the Sea of Japan claimed by Japan as its own Takeshima islands. According to the Korean officials, the visit aimed to encourage the police stationed there and claim South Korea's sovereignty over the islands. Speaking about the South Korean officials visit, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the islands are an "inherent part" of Japanese territory.
Amidst souring bilateral relations over a territorial dispute and wartime labour issue, Kishida stressed the importance of stabilising the relationship with South Korea. He said, "International agreements and promises must be fulfilled. I hope South Korea will take a positive approach".
Although many were hopeful that presidential elections about to be held in South Korea would change the dynamics of bilateral relations, it has been proved false. The statements made by the two primary presidential candidates express a hard stance against Japan.
Meanwhile, a trilateral meeting was held amongst South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong Kun, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, and Japanese vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori. According to the State Department, in the bilateral talks post the trilateral meeting, Wendy and Mori agreed that the US-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, they "reaffirmed the importance of U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral cooperation, which seeks to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century."
3. Renewal of Trade partnerships:
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held an in-person meeting with Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative. She said, "Our close collaboration will support the Biden-Harris administration's economic framework for the Indo-Pacific and help create sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and competitive trade policies that lift up our people and economies". Amidst China's economic rise, the countries have decided to have regular trade discussions. The first meeting will be held early next year, focusing on "third country concerns" and strengthening cooperation to implement rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, Japan's Trade and Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda also held talks with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo agreeing to strengthen industrial competitiveness, supply chains for critical components, including semiconductors and those linked to 5G networks, and economic security.
Alongside, the trade ministers of Japan, the United States and the European Union have agreed to"renew" their partnership to deal with the "global challenges posed by non-market policies and practices of third countries." The representatives will meet on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization's upcoming ministerial conference.
Defence.
1. US military base issue in Okinawa:
The Okinawa government protested against the central government's planned design change to relocate a key US military base. In contrast, the central government maintained that relocation of the army base to Henoko in Nago is the only solution. Okinawa has been hosting the US military since the times when Japan was defeated in World War II. The refusal to host the US troops is because Okinawan people have been troubled with noise, crimes, and accidents linked to the army.
2. Setting up enemy base strike capabilities, an option for Japan:
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi visited the Ground Self-Defense Force base at the Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture.
"When Japan revises its foreign and security policies, Kishida said all options will be on the table including the idea of giving the Self-Defense Forces the capability to strike at hostile enemy bases." With threats posed on Japan due to North Korea's missile developments and China's growing military assertiveness, Japan is considering strengthening its defence power, including options like acquiring enemy base strike capabilities. However, the idea of Japan having such strike capability is controversial as Japan's Self Defence force is restricted to the use of power under the Pacifist Constitution.
Technology.
1. AI-powered technology:
Honda has announced artificial intelligence-powered driver assistance technology. This AI-driven technology will interpret drivers' brain activity and reduce the risks of accidents. When the global automobile industries are racing towards self-driving and other next-gen technologies, Honda became the pioneer when it unveiled the AI-powered automobile safety features. The new safety technology analyses information captured from cameras and sensors of the driver's eye movement, physical state and traffic conditions.
2. Mobility Service:
With the Aging of Japan, the newly introduced personal mobility vehicle ensures safer transportation. In addition, this mobility service encourages people to be active without giving in to physical and psychological barriers that might come their way. The vehicle has in-built autonomous driving, stopping functions and IoT devices.
Green Goals.
Japan is serious about achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This goal is apparent with the innovations with which it is progressing. Carbon dioxide is the primary source of global warming. The CCS technology, Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage, helps capture and contain carbon dioxide generated from industrial activity. Alongside carbon recycling, Japan has found ways to use CO2 to create carbon-negative concrete, called CO2-SUICOM. This innovation is the world's first carbon-negative concrete and can absorb CO2 during the curing process.
Tidbit:
Japan provides schoolchildren with free lunches while also imparting to them "shokiku". Shokuiku means the culture where children learn about food and nutrition while growing healthy and attaining a prosperous future, creating a sustainable society. Japan also provide school lunch support for other countries.