February 15, 2023

Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair and International Commission Chair Ogata Yasuo on February 13 held talks in Tokyo with German Left Party (Die Linke) politician Sevim Dagdelen who is visiting Japan as a member of the delegation from the German Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ogata expressed his condolences on the death of Hans Modrow who was an honorary chairperson of the German Left Party.

In the talks, Ogata and Dagdelen exchanged views regarding various impacts from the war in Ukraine on Europe and Asia as well as on Germany and Japan.

Ogata in response to questions from the German politician explained the Kishida government’s recent move to shift away from Japan’s “exclusively defensive defense” policy. He also explained the JCP’s struggle against increasing U.S. control over and pressure on Japan militarily and economically.

Dagdelen pointed out that NATO plays a dangerous role in the ongoing war in Ukraine and that European nations have become more subservient to the U.S., which created a huge economic disadvantage for them.

Ogata and Dagdelen confirmed that the two parties will continue to exchange communications.

Past related article:
> JCP delegation visits left-wing and progressive parties in Europe to strengthen cooperation [November 9-13, 2022]