koizumi

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Koizumi exacerbates Japan's diplomatic failure

Commenting on the recent Japan-U.S. Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, Japanese Communist Patty Chair Shii Kazuo said, "The failure of Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's diplomacy is getting even more serious because of his Yasukuni Shrine visits and other acts glorifying the past Japanese war of aggression.

Shii said this on November 21 during an Asahi NewStar satellite TV interview aired on November 23.

Referring to Koizumi's November 16 statement at the Japan-U.S. Kyoto Summit that "it is easier to have better relations with South Korea and China if we have better relations with the U.S.," Shii said, "This is clearly unacceptable," and went on to say as follows:

"First, South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun in the Japan-South Korea Summit talks criticized Koizumi's Yasukuni Shrine visits as 'a challenge to South Korea.' In relations with China, holding summit talks and even foreign ministers' talks is difficult because of those visits. On the whole, Japan is now more isolated than ever before from Asia.

Second, U.S. President Bush in the summit talks expressed concerns over recent Japan-China relations. It is reported that this was related to criticism and concern expressed by the U.S. Congress over the 'Yasukuni Shrine's view of history.'

Third, the U.S. is engaged in positive diplomacy with China, while maintaining a hegemonic military and foreign policy. In fact, the two countries agreed to promote a 'constructive partnership' in the recent U.S.-China Summit talks.

Koizumi has successfully deceived the public in the general election by drawing a rosy picture of Japan after postal privatization is accomplished. He now wants to persuade the public by saying, 'A good Japan-U.S. alliance will make all Japan's foreign relations better.' However, such deception cannot be easily accepted in diplomatic relations.

Koizumi's blunders on historical issues have had damaging effect on Japan's relations with the rest of Asia. In stark contrast with the developing U.S.-China relations, Japan is left isolated in this region. This is a serious matter. Japan's diplomacy must be drastically changed without delay. -- Akahata, November 22, 2005