*****
5 JULY 2018
Under pressure from US, Japan’s Shinzo Abe cancels Iran trip
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly cancelled his planned trip to Iran. He would have been the first Japanese leader to visit Tehran in 40 years, but he chooses US security umbrella over need to secure oil supplies
https://www.dw.com/en/under-pressure-from-us-japans-shinzo-abe-cancels-iran-trip/a-44538603
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/984061/Iran-US-tensions-Shinzo-Abe-cancels-visit-Tehran-escalating-tensions-Donald-Trump-demands
2 JULY 2018
Abe’s North Korea dilemma
With his political profile closely linked to a pledge to resolve the ‘abduction issue’, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vigorously lobbied US President Donald Trump to address North Korea’s Cold War kidnapping campaign in the recent US–North Korea summit meeting
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/07/02/abes-north-korea-dilemma/
26 JUNE 2018
North Korean diplomat tells Japan not to meddle in denuclearisation
A North Korean diplomat to the United Nations advised Japan on Tuesday not to meddle in the process of denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2152635/north-korean-diplomat-tells-japan-not-meddle-denuclearisation
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/N-Korea-says-it-will-ignore-Japan-until-it-halts-military-buildup-drills
18 JUNE 2018
Japan protests South Korean military drills near contested islands
South Korea has angered Japan by staging military drills near a contested island chain, even as it discusses scaling back joint « war games » with the US to de-escalate tensions with North Korea
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/18/asia/south-korean-military-drills-disputed-islands-intl/index.html
9 JUNE 2018
Japan Wants Cruise Missiles (And that Should Terrify China or North Korea)
the country is considering buying offensive missiles for the first time since the end of World War II. Those missiles would give Japan the ability to destroy nuclear-tipped missiles on the launching pad, before they are used
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japan-wants-cruise-missiles-should-terrify-china-or-north-26198
1 JUNE 2018
Japan wants to deploy land-based US Aegis missile shield in Akita to guard against N Korea threat
The government has installed two Aegis Ashore batteries to protect the entire Japanese archipelago against North Korea’s missile threats, and now wants to put more in the city of Akita
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2148873/japan-wants-deploy-land-based-us-aegis-missile-shield-akita
31 MAY 2018
Japan, Vietnam agree on maritime safety cooperation
Leaders of Japan and Vietnam have agreed to bolster cooperation in maritime safety and defense as they expressed shared concern over China’s growing activity in the South China Sea
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/31/japan-vietnam-
26 MAY 2018
Abe, Putin reconfirm readiness to conclude postwar peace treaty
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Saturday to make renewed efforts to sign a postwar peace treaty and accelerate bilateral economic cooperation
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180527/p2g/00m/0in/001000c
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/ex-pm-nakasone-turns-100-hopes-for-constitution-amendment
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201805270017.htm
23 MAY 2018
How Japan’s Pacifist Constitution Shapes Its Approach to Cyberspace
The Japanese government plans to revise its National Defense Guidelines by the end of 2018, which are expected to strengthen the cybersecurity of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and give them an offensive cyber capability
https://www.cfr.org/blog/how-japans-pacifist-constitution-shapes-its-approach-cyberspace?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+region%2Fasia+%28CFR.org+-+Regions+-+Asia+and+Pacific%29
4 MAY 2018
In a first, Japanese and Chinese leaders talk by phone
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation on the phone Friday, the first time leaders of the two countries had ever done so
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/04/asia/japan-abe-china-north-korea-intl/index.html
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180504_23/
29 APRIL 2018
North Korea ready for Japan talks, South Korea says
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is willing to engage in dialogue with Japan’s leadership at « any time. »
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/04/29/560084/Korea-Japan-talks
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Moon-says-N-Korean-leader-wants-to-normalize-ties-with-Japan
17 APRIL 2018
Trump and Japan’s Abe meet over North Korea and global trade
US President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet shortly to discuss North Korea and trade, with both men battling pressure at home
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/update-4-trump-says-u.s.-having-direct-talks-with-north-korea-about-summit
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43792658
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180418/p2g/00m/0dm/002000c
16 APRIL 2018
China, Japan hail new beginning at bilateral summit
China and Japan on Monday pledged a « new starting point » for bilateral ties. The statement was made during a three-day visit by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi to Japan. During the visit, Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe called for warmer relations
http://en.rfi.fr/20180416-china-japan-summit-new-beginning/
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2141970/japan-and-china-try-reset-relations-shadow-trumps-trade
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180416/p2g/00m/0fp/099000c
11 APRIL 2018
Korea-Japan foreign ministers hold talks on bilateral ties and N. Korea’s nuclear issue
The foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan have reaffirmed their mutual goal of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula and agreed to develop peaceful and progressive Seoul-Tokyo ties
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=216158
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2141315/south-korea-japan-vow-cooperate-resolving-issues-north-remain
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180411/p2g/00m/0dm/057000c
9 APRIL 2018
Japan and Europe as Strategic Partners: Opportunities & Challenges
Though Japan and Europe have shared common values and interests since the start of the Cold War, the strategic significance of the partnership appears to have increased considerably in recent years. This is spurred in part by the rise of illiberal or authoritarian challengers to the liberal international order, and the arrival of President Donald Trump in the United States
https://www.cogitasia.com/japan-and-europe-as-strategic-partners-opportunities-challenges/
7 APRIL 2018
Japan activates first marines since WW2
Japan has activated its first marine unit since World War Two, trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/japan-activates-first-marines-since-ww2
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180407/p2g/00m/0dm/072000c
3 APRIL 2018
Japan-Russia Relations: Can the Northern Territories Issue be Overcome?
Russia and Japan are neighbors, but their relationship is often labeled in Japan as “close (geographically) and distant (politically).” The leading reasons are that a treaty of friendship has not been concluded between Japan and Russia, and the Northern Territories issue has not been resolved. These two issues are interlinked
https://www.cogitasia.com/japan-russia-relations-can-the-northern-territories-issue-be-overcome/
30 MARCH 2018
Seoul protests over disputed island claims in Japan’s textbooks
South Korea summoned Tokyo’s ambassador on Friday to protest over new educational guidelines requiring high school students to be taught that disputed islands belong to Japan
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Seoul-protests-over-disputed-island-claims-in-Japan’s-textbooks
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=215712
13 MARCH 2018
Japan sending military adviser to Malaysia, boosting regional presence in face of assertive China
Japan is beefing up its military and diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia by sending an extra defence attaché to its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, adding to military officers sent to embassies in the Philippines and Vietnam last year
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2136981/japan-sending-military-adviser-malaysia-boosting-regional
11 MARCH 2018
Japan offers to pay £2m for inspections of North Korea nuclear facilities
Japan will provide Y300 million (£2.03 million) to fund inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency of North Korea’s nuclear facilities if Pyongyang follows through with its vow to scrap its arsenal of atomic weapons
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/11/japan-offers-pay-2m-inspections-north-korea-nuclear-facilities/
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201803100035.html
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=214947
9 MARCH 2018
Abe to visit U.S. in April to discuss North Korea with Trump
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet in the United States next month, following Washington’s announcement that Trump is ready to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/03/09/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-visit-u-s-april-discuss-north-korea-trump/#.WqLL8ejOU2w
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201803090030.html
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/update1-abe-to-visit-u.s.-in-april-to-discuss-n.-korea-with-trump
21 FEBRUARY 2018
Japan to boost its future stealth fighter force with 20 more F-35A jets, defence sources say
Japan plans to buy at least 20 additional F-35A stealth fighters over the next six years, some or all of which it may purchase directly from Lockheed Martin Corp. in the United States rather than assemble locally, three sources said
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802210025.html
9 FEBRUARY 2018
Japan and South Korea, the Friendly Foes of East Asia
On Friday morning, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan was setting off to attend the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Olympics, as well as a side meeting with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, he declared that cooperation among their two countries and the United States was “unshakable” in the face of threats from North Korea
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/09/opinion/japan-south-korea-friendly.html
7 FEBRUARY 2018
Abe, Pence confirm pressure on N. Korea
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence confirmed on Wednesday that their two countries will continue to apply “maximum pressure” on North Korea, in cooperation with South Korea, to foil Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004230644
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180207_38/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/07/mike-pence-announces-toughest-sanctions-ever-north-korea-vows/
5 FEBRUARY 2018
Japan’s Abe reiterates pledge to transfer U.S. base in Okinawa
In Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, a candidate backed by the ruling coalition won the Feb. 4 mayoral election here, as voters choose local economic revitalization measures over anti-U.S. military base sentiment
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201802050024.html
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/05/c_136950991.htm
28 JANUARY 2018
Japan, China agree to resume leaders’ visits
Japan and China agreed Sunday to resume reciprocal visits by the two countries’ leaders, underscoring that Asia’s two biggest economies are eager to mend ties in the year marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of a bilateral friendship treaty
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/update1-japan’s-kono-proposes-to-china-resuming-leaders’-visits
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/137/12/161/1517133146493.html
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/japan/japan-calls-on-china-to-up-north-korea-cooperation-1.2164058
27 JANUARY 2018
Japan, France reaffirm closer defense cooperation
The Japanese and French defense ministers reaffirmed closer defense cooperation in a meeting Saturday after agreeing the previous day to hold the countries’ first joint maritime defense exercises next month
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Japan-France-reaffirm-closer-defense-cooperation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180127_15/
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201801250039.html
26 JANUARY 2018
First F-35 stealth fighter arrives at Misawa base
An F-35 stealth fighter has arrived at an airbase in Misawa in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan. It is the first of 10 F-35s that will be deployed at the base
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180126_21/
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2130703/japan-deploys-first-f-35a-stealth-fighter-mission-keep-tabs
18 JANUARY 2018
Japan, Australia push for defence pact amid regional tension
Tokyo and Canberra are taking steps to reinforce their security arrangements, with both governments concerned about an unstable and nuclear-armed North Korea and an assertive China
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/japan-australia-push-for-defence-pact-amid-regional-tension-14362
http://www.dw.com/en/japan-australia-eye-deeper-defense-alliance/a-42198311
4 JANUARY 2018
Japan faces greatest danger since World War due to North Korea: PM
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday North Korea was engaging in continued provocations that were « absolutely unacceptable » and said he would work with the international community to counter its nuclear and missiles development
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/japan-faces-greatest-danger-since-world-war-due-to-north-korea-9831950
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180104_27/
1 JANUARY 2018
Japan eyes aircraft carriers to counter North Korea, China
Concerns over N. Korea’s unpredictable regime and China’s expansionist policies have forced Japan to seek reinterpretation of parts of the constitution that ban the nation from having an offensive military capability
http://www.dw.com/en/japan-eyes-aircraft-carriers-to-counter-north-korea-china/a-41990036
16 DECEMBER 2017
Japan eyes US$46 billion defence budget to counter North Korea: Report
Japan plans a record US$46 billion defence budget for the next fiscal year to strengthen its missile defence against the threat posed by North Korea, a report said Saturday (Dec 16)
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-eyes-us-46-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-north-korea-9503674
http://www.mod.go.jp/e/d_budget/pdf/291121.pdf
8 DECEMBER 2017
Japan to purchase offensive missiles capable of striking North Korea
Japan’s Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Friday announced plans to buy offensive air-to-surface missiles, in a move likely to cause controversy considering the country’s decades-long pacifist history
http://www.dw.com/en/japan-to-purchase-offensive-missiles-capable-of-striking-north-korea/a-41707708
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/08/asia/japan-missiles-purchase-intl/index.html
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004117987
18 NOVEMBER 2017
Shadows of the past haunt Japan–North Korea relations
There are more than geostrategic, diplomatic and military factors behind the importance of Japan for North Korea and of North Korea for Japan: their present relationship is also rooted in history
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/11/18/shadows-of-the-past-haunt-japan-north-korea-relations/
6 NOVEMBER 2017
Trump: ‘samurai’ Japan will shoot down North Korean missiles after buying new weapons from US
US President Donald Trump on Monday said “samurai” Japan will soon have the capability to shoot down North Korean weapons, once it has bought “massive amounts of military equipment” from Washington. Standing next to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump promised to work in solidarity with Japan to confront “the North Korean menace”
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2118678/trump-samurai-japan-will-shoot-down-north-korean-missiles-after
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20171106171406446/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/trump-says-japan-would-shoot-n-korean-missiles-out-of-sky-if-it-9377896
31 AUGUST 2017
Missiles, radar, glide bombs: Japan wants record US$48b weapons budget as North Korea threat grows
If approved by parliament, it would be the sixth annual increase under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who ended decade-long defence budget cuts
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2109126/missiles-radar-glide-bombs-japan-wants-record-us48b-weapons
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/08/31/national/politics-diplomacy/record-high-budget-request-defense-ministry-seeks-new-anti-missile-measures/#.Wah-cshJY2w
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-defense-ministry-seeks-record-high-budget-amid-n.-korea-threat
30 AUGUST 2017
What stopped Japan from intercepting North Korean missile?
The altitude and speed of Hwasong-12 would have made it very difficult to destroy missile in flight, while failure would have been embarrassing for Japan and encouraging to N Korea. Julian Ryall reports from Tokyo
http://www.dw.com/en/what-stopped-japan-from-intercepting-north-korean-missile/a-40293016
19 AUGUST 2017
Japan’s new security agenda
In September 2015, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed new security legislation permitting Japan to come to the aid of an ally under attack. This was a crucial step in Japan’s journey to becoming a ‘normal’ nation able to do more for its own security. Why did Abe enact such a major change in policy?
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/08/19/japans-new-security-agenda/
18 AUGUST 2017
US, Japan step up defense cooperation
The United States and Japan will step up their defense cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/24/183/80/1503051560742.html
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170818_11/
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003888528
16 AUGUST 2017
Let Japan develop nuclear weapons to lessen North Korea threat, former US Navy commander says
The suggestion of a nuclear-armed Japan would prompt China to restrain Pyongyang, said John Bird, a former US Navy commander in the Pacific
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2106952/let-japan-develop-nuclear-weapons-lessen-north-korea
12 AUGUST 2017
Japan deploys missile defence over North Korea threat to Guam
Japan deployed its Patriot missile defence system on Saturday (Aug 12), after North Korea threatened to fire ballistic missiles over the country towards the US Pacific territory of Guam, local officials and reports said
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-deploys-missile-defence-over-north-korea-threat-to-guam-reports
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003877500
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170812_14/
16 JULY 2017
Russia blocks Hokkaido mayor’s visit to disputed Kuril islands over Japan’s sanctions
Russia has denied entry to disputed islands to a mayor from Hokkaido in retaliation for sanctions imposed by Japan over the Ukraine crisis, diplomatic sources said on Saturday
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2102829/russia-blocks-hokkaido-mayors-visit-disputed-kurils-over-japans
10 JULY 2017
Japan’s ‘New Approach’ to Russia: Is it Moving Forward?
It seems that Shinzo Abe’s ‘New Approach’ to Russia is unlikely to help in resolving territorial disputes with Russia on the Kuril Islands. Given the different priorities of the two countries and broader geopolitical factors, the prospects of the ‘New Approach’ do not look positive
http://www.ipcs.org/article/east-asia/japans-new-approach-to-russia-is-it-moving-forward-5320.html
http://www.atimes.com/article/russia-japan-look-joint-development-kuril-islands/
8 JULY 2017
Meeting during G20, Abe and Xi seek to improve dialogue
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg Saturday and called on China to play a constructive role in discouraging North Korea from developing missiles and nuclear arms
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003808713
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/108/72/34/1499509875018.html
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170708_29/
15 JUNE 2017
Putin: Russia considers constructing bridge to Sakhalin Island in Far East
A bridge to Sakhalin would be very useful in terms of reviving territorial integrity of Russia, President Putin said
https://sputniknews.com/russia/201706151054662806-putin-russia-sakhalin-bridge/
12 APRIL 2017
Japanese warships to join US fleet near North Korea as tensions rise
Japan is preparing to send several warships to join a US aircraft carrier strike group heading for the Korean peninsula, in a show of force designed to deter North Korea from conducting further missile and nuclear tests
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/12/japanese-warships-join-us-fleet-north-korea
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201704120031.html
28 MARCH 2017
Japan prepares to create force like U.S. Marine Corps
Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force stepped up preparations Monday toward creating an amphibious force like the U.S. Marine Corps by putting in place a new unit that will offer training to members of the envisioned brigade
http://eurasiadiary.com/en/news/world/123019-japan-prepares-to-create-force-like-us-marine-corps
22 MARCH 2017
Japan now has two big helicopter carrier ships as Kaga enters service
Japan’s second big helicopter carrier, the Kaga, entered service on Wednesday, giving the nation’s military greater ability to deploy beyond its shores as it pushes back against China’s growing influence in Asia
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2081156/japan-now-has-two-big-helicopter-carrier-ships-kaga-enters
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/news/2017/03/japan-rolls-military-vessel-170322085927402.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/03/22/national/politics-diplomacy/msdf-boosts-overseas-deployment-capabilities-second-big-helicopter-carrier/#.WNK2y4WcE2w
28 FEBRUARY 2017
Japanese emperor kicks off landmark visit to Vietnam
Japan’s emperor arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a whirlwind tour that will include a meeting with families of Japanese soldiers who stayed there after World War II
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japanese-emperor-kicks-landmark-visit-vietnam
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170228_33/
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/173575/vietnam—japan-economic-relations.html
16 FEBRUARY 2017
Japanese arms for sale
After decades of a self-imposed ban on arms exports, the Abe government in 2014 began to allow the country’s producers to export arms and military equipment. This is a significant development, albeit part of an evolutionary and incremental process. Still, it will be a while before Japan appears on the list of major global arms suppliers
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/02/16/japanese-arms-for-sale
11 FEBRUARY 2017
Trump reiterates US support for Japan over Diaoyus in meeting with Abe
US President Donald Trump, fresh from patching up ties with China, has reassured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of US support in any conflict over the disputed Senkaku islands, known as the Diaoyus in China
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2070017/trump-and-abe-vow-deeper-trade-and-security-ties-us-and-japan
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/trump-assures-abe-disputed-east-china-sea-islands-170210201048825.html
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/251648725
5 FEBRUARY 2017
Japan, US test-fires new interceptor missile
Japan’s defense ministry says it has successfully test-fired at sea a new interceptor missile jointly developed with the United States
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170205_01/
3 FEBRUAY 2017
Abe, Mattis reaffirm ties on defense including Senkaku
Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Friday, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the military alliance with Japan as global concern grows over the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/03/national/politics-diplomacy/shinzo-abe-james-mattis-u-s-japan-bilateral-ties-defense/#.WJTKAoWcHSE
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0003500222
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170203_28/
27 JANUARY 2017
Abe’s Pacific Rim Diplomacy – Analysis
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo started the year 2017 with his foreign policy activism by undertaking a six-day tour to four Asia-Pacific nations –the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam in January 2017
http://www.eurasiareview.com/27012017-abes-pacific-rim-diplomacy-part-i-analysis/
http://www.eurasiareview.com/27012017-abes-pacific-rim-diplomacy-part-ii-analysis/
24 JANUARY 2017
Japan launches satellite to modernise military communications
The Japanese defence ministry’s first communications satellite was successfully placed in orbit on Tuesday, as part of the country’s efforts to upgrade the Self-Defence Forces’ (SDF) communications network to better deal with security challenges
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2064980/new-arms-race-japans-defence-ministry-launch-first-ever
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170124_30/
14 JANUARY 2017
Abe, Turnbull sign pact boosting Japan-Australia defense ties
Following a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Japan and Australia on Saturday signed a revised pact to boost logistics cooperation between their defense forces
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/14/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-arrives-australia-talks-turnbull-security-trade/#.WHqSEoWcE2w
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jan/14/australia-and-japan-to-strengthen-military-ties
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2017-01/14/content_15557168.html
6 JANUARY 2017
Japan recalls envoy after South Korea puts ‘comfort woman’ statue outside consulate
Japan has recalled its ambassador to South Korea in protest at the placing of a statue symbolising victims of Japanese wartime sex slavery outside its consulate
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2059912/japan-recalls-its-ambassador-south-korea-over-new-comfort-women
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/06/japan-says-recalling-envoy-to-skorea-over-new-comfort-woman-statue
29 DECEMBER 2016
Anger as Japanese minister visits ‘war crimes’ shrine after Pearl Harbor trip
Japan’s defence minister, Tomomi Inada, has provoked anger in South Korea and China following a visit to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo, a day after she accompanied the prime minister, Shinzo Abe, on his reconciliatory trip to Pearl Harbor
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/29/anger-as-japanese-minister-visits-war-crimes-shrine-after-pearl-harbor-trip
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2057841/japan-defence-minister-visits-yasukuni-war-shrine-one-day-after
28 DECEMBER 2016
Japan PM Shinzo Abe offers Pearl Harbor condolences
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has visited the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, where he offered « sincere and everlasting condolences » to the victims of Japan’s attack on the base 75 years ago
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38438714
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161228_07/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/28/shinzo-abe-pearl-harbor-horrors-of-war-memorial-hawaii-obama
Beijing ‘dissatisfied’ with name change of Japan’s de facto Taiwan embassy
Beijing Wednesday expressed « strong dissatisfaction » with Japan’s decision to change the name of its de facto embassy in the Republic of China to include the word « Taiwan. »
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/12/china-says-extremely-dissatisfied-renaming-de-facto-japan-embassy-taiwan/
20 DECEMBER 2016
Japan’s top court backs Tokyo in bid to relocate Okinawa base
Japan’s Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday in favour of the central government in its bid to relocate a US airbase on Okinawa, dealing a significant blow to opponents of the plan led by the island’s governor
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2056041/japans-top-court-backs-tokyo-bid-relocate-okinawa-base
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38381107
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161220_34/
16 DECEMBER 2016
Abe-Putin summit ends with economic deals but no isle steps
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan and Russia will start negotiations on a special system to conduct joint economic activities on 4 Russian-controlled islands claimed by Japan
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/12/16/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-putin-summit-ends-economic-deals-no-isle-steps/#.WFQcuIWcE2x
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161216_34/
15 DECEMBER 2016
Japan’s Shinzo Abe and Russia’s Vladimir Putin discuss disputed islands at hot spring
Japan and Russia agreed at a leaders’ summit on Thursday to revive security talks and start discussing economic cooperation on disputed islands at the core of a row that has kept them from signing a peace treaty formally ending the second word war
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2054925/japans-shinzo-abe-and-russias-vladimir-putin-discuss-disputed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161215_31/
3 DECEMBER 2016
Russia warns Japan not to expect quick progress on islands
Russia’s foreign minister warned Japan Saturday against expecting a quick breakthrough in the territorial dispute between the two nations ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Japan
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/russia-warns-japan-not-expect-quick-progress-islands-123919543.html
http://www.dw.com/en/a-solution-to-the-kuril-islands-dispute/a-36624291
24 NOVEMBER 2016
Kuril islands missiles should not spoil Putin’s visit, Russia tells Japan
Ahead of president’s trip, tensions rise over weapons on Russian-controlled Kurils, some of which are claimed by Japan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/23/missiles-on-islands-should-not-spoil-putins-visit-russia-tells-japan
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/23/japan-vows-respond-russian-missile-deployment-disputed-islands/
https://sputniknews.com/politics/201611231047762708-russia-japan-kurils/
21 NOVEMBER 2016
Security and the meaning of Japan’s constitution
This new political circumstance allows Abe to propose a national referendum to revise the constitution. The LDP presented a draft for constitutional revision in 2012 and will lead the coming debate because of its strength in the Diet
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/11/21/security-and-the-meaning-of-japans-constitution/
14 NOVEMBER 2016
Japan, South Korea ink controversial intelligence deal
South Korea and Japan reached a controversial deal on Monday (Nov 14) to share defence intelligence, Japanese officials said, despite protests from opposition parties and activists in Seoul
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-south-korea-ink-controversial-intelligence-deal/3287968.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/11/116_218205.html
2 NOVEMBER 2016
Japan competes with China for Myanmar influence with 800 billion yen (7,73 US $) aid deal
Japan will provide aid worth 800 billion yen (US$7.73 billion) to Myanmar over five years as it competes for regional influence with the country’s biggest trading partner China
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2042380/japan-competes-china-myanmar-influence-800-billion-yen-aid-deal
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161102_34/
27 OCTOBER 2016
Japan, Philippines vow closer partnership
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to strengthen their countries’ strategic partnership but skipped forging a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that would allow joint war games of their armed forces
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/japan-philippines-vow-closer-partnership-1.1919702
13 OCTOBER 2016
Japan to expand Djibouti military base to counter Chinese influence
Japan will lease additional land next year to expand a military base in Djibouti, eastern Africa, as a counterweight to what it sees as growing Chinese influence in the region, three Japanese government sources said
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-military-djibouti-idUSKCN12D0C4
27 SEPTEMBER 2016
US, Japan finalize new military cooperation amid tensions with China
Washington and Tokyo have signed a bilateral agreement to increase military logistics cooperation as tensions with China continue to escalate
https://sputniknews.com/asia/20160927/1045728300/us-japan-amended-asca.html
26 SEPTEMBER 2016
Japan scrambles jets over China flights along Miyako Straits
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that Tokyo had scrambled fighter jets after the Chinese planes passed over the Miyako Strait on Sunday, east of the islands which both neighbors claim as their own.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37469983
http://www.dw.com/en/japan-scambles-jets-over-china-military-fly-past/a-35890212
23 SEPTEMBER 2016
Japan PM raises North Korea nuclear programme with Cuba’s Fidel Castro
Abe arrived in Cuba for summit talks with President Raul Castro to seek Havana’s assistance in responding to Pyongyang’s nuclear activities
https://sputniknews.com/asia/20160923/1045621554/japan-cuba-visit.html
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cuba-japan-abe-idUKKCN11S2BT?il=0
6 SEPTEMBER 2016
Japan to provide planes, ships for Philippines amid sea dispute with China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday agreed to provide two large-sized patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines, a Japanese government spokesman said, with both countries locked in territorial disputes with China.
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2016212/japan-provide-planes-ships-philippines-amid-sea-dispute
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160906_37/
3 SEPTEMBER 2016
For Japan, developing new missiles helps prevent China’s provocations
To prepare for military provocations by China and North Korea, it is essential to steadily make progress on bolstering Japan’s defence capabilities
http://www.asianews.network/content/editorial-developing-new-missiles-helps-prevent-china%E2%80%99s-provocations-27160
19 AUGUST 2016
Japan defence ministry seeks record budget in 2017 to upgrade missile system, fighter jets
Japan’s defence ministry will seek a record budget of 5.16 trillion yen (US$51 billion) for fiscal 2017, as tension rises in the East China Sea and North Korea steps up its missile threat, a government official with direct knowledge of the plan said
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2006071/japan-defence-ministry-seeks-record-budget-2017-upgrade-missile
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201608190031.html
14 AUGUST 2016
Japan to develop missile as tensions with China mount: report
Japan will develop a new land-to-sea missile as part of plans to beef up its defence of remote southern islands, as tensions with China increase over the disputed territory, a report said Sunday (Aug 14)http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/japan-to-develop-missile/3041898.html
9 AUGUST 2016
Japan says ties with China ‘deteriorating’ over disputed islands
Japan warned China on Tuesday that ties were “deteriorating markedly” over disputed East China Sea islets, and China’s envoy in Tokyo reiterated Beijing’s stance that the specks of land were its territory and called for talks to resolve the row
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37019028
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160809_15/
02 AUGUST 2016
Japanese Defense white paper: China still destabilizing factor in region
This year’s defense white paper expressed concern about China’s habit of portraying all its actions as accomplished fact and again referred to Beijing’s « heavy-handed » efforts to increase its military presence in the East China Sea and South China Sea
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201608020072.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160802_14/
29 JULY 2016
US military to return a large portion of Okinawa
The United States military said on Friday it was preparing for the biggest land return in Okinawa since 1972, as it faces a surge in opposition to its presence following the arrest of one its civilian contractors for the murder of a local woman.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-07/29/content_15470591.html
24 JULY 2016
Survey: Japan is favorite country of Taiwanese
A survey of people in Taiwan shows that a record 56 percent of respondents picked Japan as their favorite country. About 1,000 Taiwanese responded to the survey that was carried out in January and February
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160724_15/
18 JUNE 2016
Russia calls on Japan to jointly develop disputed islands
Russia’s minister for development of the Far East has called on Japan to jointly develop the disputed islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160618_13/
15 JUNE 2016
For the first time since 2004, a Chinese warship enters Japanese territorial sea in East China Sea
A Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy Type 815 Dongdiao-class spy ship entered Japanese territorial waters on Wednesday, according to Japan’s defense ministry. The move is the first of its kind since 2004, when a Chinese nuclear submarine entered Japan’s 12 nautical mile territorial sea near Sakishima Islands, in Okinawa prefecture
http://thediplomat.com/2016/06/for-first-time-since-2004-chinese-warship-enters-japanese-territorial-sea-in-east-china-sea/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/06/15/national/politics-diplomacy/chinese-naval-ship-briefly-enters-japans-territorial-waters-off-kagoshima/#.V2HKZ49OLNP
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160615_37/
9 JUNE 2016
Japan protests as China’s PLA Navy sails near disputed Diaoyu Islands in East China Sea
A People’s Liberation Army vessel entered waters surrounding the Tokyo-administered isles, called the Diaoyu Islands by China and the Senkakus in Japan, at 12.50am and left at 3.10am, the Japanese foreign ministry said.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1970375/japan-protests-chinas-pla-navy-sails-near-disputed
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160609_12/ht
27 MAY 2016
Obama makes historic visit to Hiroshima
U.S. President Barack Obama emphasized the need to pursue a world free of nuclear weapons during his visit to the atomic-bombed city of Hiroshima on May 27, the first by a sitting U.S. president
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36394975
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201605270097.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160527_34/
25 MAY 2016
Why has Japan been cozying up to Vladimir Putin ?
In early May, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. It was the 13th time the two leaders have met since 2013, when Abe made the first official visit by a Japanese premier to Russia in a decade. But when Abe has only held seven meetings with his U.S. counterpart, why is he meeting Putin so often?http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/opinion-why-has-japan-been-cozying-vladimir-putin
6 MAY 2016
Abe meets Putin to advance bilateral talks on isle row and peace treaty
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, eager to promote bilateral dialogue and advance talks on the decades-old territorial row that has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a postwar peace treaty
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/06/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-meets-putin-advance-bilateral-talks-isle-row-peace-treaty/#.Vy0Je49OLNN
http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-japan-leaders-meet-as-tensions-loom/3318571.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160507_10/
3 MAY 2016
No nuke bombing apology to Japan: White House
US President Barack Obama does not believe that his country owes Japan a formal apology for the 1945 nuclear bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-05/03/content_15426640.html
Japan agrees to lease military aircraft to Philippines
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing’s increasing regional influence.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/japan-agrees-lease-military-aircraft-philippines-050815514.html?nhp=1
30 APRIL 2016
Chinese, Japanese FMs hold talks on relations
China and Japan both expressed a willingness to improve strained relations on Saturday after a rare meeting between their two foreign ministers in Beijing, though China said Japan should stop pushing the notion that China is a threat.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564593/news/world/china-wants-cooperation-not-confrontation-with-japan
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-04/30/content_15425617.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160430_27/
22 APRIL 2016
Japan-made stealth aircraft takes to skies for 1st time
With an eye to the future, the nation’s first stealth airplane made its maiden flight on April 22, making Japan the fourth country in the world to successfully fly a manned stealth Aircraft.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/japan-made-stealth-aircraft-takes-skies-first-time
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/japan-succeeds-test-flight-first-stealth-fighter-jet-060235847.html?nhp=1
19 APRIL 2016
Japan’s South Asia Focus: Growing Association With Bangladesh – Analysis
Solid bilateral economic relationships between the two nations can be regarded as a testimony of Japan’s influence in Bangladesh. While Bangladesh has been keen to exploit its economic potential and diversify its relationship with Japan, it has also used it to as an option to balance Beijing’s increasing influence in the region.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/analysis-japan%E2%80%99s-south-asia-focus-growing-association-bangladesh
12 APRIL 2016
Japanese Maritime SDF destroyers visit port in Vietnam for 1st time
For the first time since the end of World War II, Japanese destroyers dropped anchor at a Vietnamese port, signifying the two nations’ defense cooperation
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201604120043.html
11 APRIL 2016
Kerry visits Japan’s Hiroshima memorial
US Secretary of State John Kerry has paid a historic visit to the Hiroshima memorial located on the site where American planes launched the world’s first nuclear attack. The blast and the radiation that resulted killed some 140,000 people
http://www.dw.com/en/kerry-visits-japans-hiroshima-memorial/av-19178054
http://www.euronews.com/2016/04/11/john-kerry-lays-flowers-at-hiroshima-memorial/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/kerry-deeply-moved-by/2685544.html
3 APRIL 2016
Japanese submarine, destroyers arrive in Philippines for port call near disputed South China Sea waters
A Maritime Self-Defense Force flotilla of three ships arrived in the Philippines early Sunday on a goodwill visit — the first to include a Japanese submarine in 15 years — amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/04/03/national/msdf-submarine-escort-ships-arrive-philippines-port-call-training/#.VwF2bThXrIV
http://asia.nikkei.com/Japan-Update/Japanese-sub-arrives-in-Philippines-on-training-exercise
http://eurasiadiary.com/news/conflicts/17217-japanese-submarine-warships-dock-at-philippine-port-near-disputed-south-china-sea-waters
2 APRIL 2016
Two years after Crimea, are Japan–Ukraine ties weakening?
Times of crisis are a chance to discover who your true friends are. Ukraine learned this lesson two years ago. While it was largely Euro–Atlantic nations that spoke out against Russia’s actions in Crimea, Ukraine also found a supporter in Japan.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/04/02/two-years-after-crimea-are-japan-ukraine-ties-weakening/
29 MARCH 2016
China accuses Japan of threatening Pacific peace with military law
China has accused Japan’s “warlord” prime minister, Shinzo Abe, of threatening peace in the region, following the enactment on Tuesday of controversial laws allowing Japanese troops to fight on foreign soil for the first time since the end of the second world war.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/china-accuses-japan-threatening-pacific-peace-military-law
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/12206654/Japans-controversial-law-allowing-troops-to-fight-overseas-comes-into-force.html
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=189546
28 MARCH 2016
Tokyo’s new ‘self-defence’ laws take effect, allowing Japan to fight in foreign wars
Japan’s new security laws took effect enabling its troops to fight overseas for the first time since the second world war in a landmark defence policy shift in a country with a war-renouncing constitution.
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/1931393/tokyos-new-self-defence-laws-take-effect-allowing-japan-fight
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160329_02/
24 MARCH 2016
A more sincere attitude needed in new talks on Futenma issue
That requires both the Abe administration and the Okinawa prefectural government to offer sincere and straightforward answers to questions posed by the other side as part of serious efforts to find common ground
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201603240018
21 MARCH 2016
India and Japan get closer as China flexes its muscles
This recalibration of their national interests has brought countries such as Japan and India closer in ways like never before. Recently, in a move that is bound to raise quite a few eyebrows in Beijing, Japan and India began discussing the modalities for cooperation to set up a 15MW diesel power plant in India’s Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/03/india-japan-closer-china-flexes-muscles-160320134401362.html
8 MARCH 2016
Japan invites Robert Mugabe to summit as it eyes Africa for growth
The Japanese government has invited Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe, to Tokyo for talks later this month as Tokyo seeks to expand its influence and business opportunities in Africa
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/12187070/Japan-invites-Robert-Mugabe-to-summit-as-it-eyes-Africa-for-growth.html
5 MARCH 2016
Turning over a new leaf in Japan–Philippines relations
Under a series of landmark agreements Washington served as the de facto guarantor of Philippine national security for almost a century. But in recent years Japan has rapidly upgraded its security cooperation with Manila. Today, Japan is the Philippines’ top provider of development aid, leading trading Partner
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/03/05/turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-japan-philippines-relations/
22 FEBRUARY 2016
S Korea urges Japan to stop islets provocations
South Korea on Monday urged Japan to stop provocations over disputed islets lying halfway between the two countries as Japan sent a senior government official to attend the controversial « Takeshima Day » event.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-02/22/content_15388451.html
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/s-korea-protests-over-japan-sending-official-to-disputed-isle-event
15 FEBRUARY 2016
Six Challenges for US–Japan Cooperation in Asia
A key question as 2016 progresses will be: how best to focus US–Japan cooperation to address both the challenges and opportunities that accompany the rise of China? There are six thorny issues that carry the potential to undermine US–Japan cooperation
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/02/15/six-challenges-for-us-japan-cooperation-in-asia/#more-49565
12 FEBRUARY 2016
North Korea disbands committee on Japan abduction issue in response to sanctions
North Korea said Friday it has disbanded a special committee that was set up in 2014 to look into the whereabouts of missing Japanese nationals suspected of being abducted decades ago and in its territory, in response to Tokyo’s decision earlier this week to impose new sanctions on Pyongyang.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/n-korea-disbands-team-probing-fate-of-japanese-abductees
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/02/12/national/politics-diplomacy/north-korea-disbands-committee-on-japan-abduction-issue-in-response-to-sanctions/#.Vr5ZnTjMtjp
10 FEBRUARY 2016
Japan announces new sanctions on Pyongyang
Japan has decided to impose more sanctions against North Korea following the country’s launch of what it called a satellite-carrying rocket on Sunday. The launch is seen by the international community as a long-range ballistic missile test
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160210_38.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/japan-slap-sanctions-north-korea-rocket-160210112644465.html
8 FEBRUARY 2016
Japan moves toward unilateral sanctions over North Korea’s missile launch
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Feb. 8 he is preparing to slap unilateral sanctions against North Korea for its “intolerable” act on firing a long-range ballistic missile that flew over islands of Okinawa Prefecture.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201602080046
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-plans-to-impose/2499056.html
03 FEBRUARY 2016
Abe calls for amending part of Article 9 of Constitution
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday advocated amending part of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution, saying there is a contradiction between the existence of the Self-Defense Forces and the article that stipulates Japan never maintains land, sea and air forces.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/abe-calls-for-amending-part-of-article-9-of-constitution
02 FEBRUARY 2016
Japan tells UN no evidence of forced WWII sex slavery
Japan says it has found no evidence its WWII government and military forcibly rounded up women to be sex slaves, Tokyo has told a UN committee, the latest pronouncement in a corrosive row over interpretations of history
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=187796
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-tells-un-no-evidence-forced-wwii-sex-slavery
31 JANUARY 2016
Clinton e-mail: U.S. asked Japan to talk with China before buying Senkakus
The United States urged Japan to consult with China before its provocative Senkaku Islands purchase in 2012, a declassified email forwarded to then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has revealed
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201601310039
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/31/national/u-s-urged-japan-consult-china-2012-senkakus-purchase/#.Vq6FdzjMtjp
Japan doubles number of F-15s on southern island of Okinawa
Japan has doubled the number of F-15 fighter jets deployed on the southern island of Okinawa, near disputed islands in the East China Sea, the defence ministry said Sunday
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-doubles-number-f-15s-southern-island-okinawa
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160131_15.html
28 JANUARY 2016
Japan reconsiders, decides to join U.N. nuclear disarmament group
Tokyo, in a sharp reversal of policy, will now join a U.N. nuclear disarmament group even though it still does not want a treaty banning weapons of mass destruction.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201601280036
27 JANUARY 2016
Japan steps up campaign for full UN Security Council seat
Tokyo believes 70 years of pacifism and a commitment to international law and order give it a right to a permanent seat at the UN’s top table. But regional rival China is unlikely to allow that to happen
http://www.dw.com/en/japan-steps-up-campaign-for-full-un-security-council-seat/a-19007001
23 JANUARY 2016
Japan must carefully evaluate China’s strategic intentions
There is no doubt that China is building up its military capabilities. Nor that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played up the threat of China, which spends three times as much as Japan does on its national defence, as a justification for new security legislation in Japan. But deeper scrutiny of this issue requires a broader perspective on China’s strategic intentions.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/01/23/japan-must-carefully-evaluate-chinas-strategic-intentions/
8 DECEMBER 2016
Japan, UK to develop air-to-air missile system
Japan and the UK are taking defence co-operation a step further. The two countries’ foreign and defence ministers announced this after a meeting in Tokyo on Friday (Jan 8)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-uk-to-develop-air/2410918.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/12087634/RAF-fighters-bound-for-Japan-for-first-time-in-decades-as-UK-builds-military-ties.html
5 JANUARY 2016
Will Japan and Russia finally resolve their territorial dispute?
Japan and Russia have yet to sign a peace treaty after WWII. The reason is a sovereignty dispute over an island chain. Now PM Abe has called for a summit with President Putin to tackle the issue. But can it succeed?
http://www.dw.com/en/will-japan-and-russia-finally-resolve-their-territorial-dispute/a-18959623
4 JANUARY 2016
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants summit with Vladimir Putin to resolve territorial row over islands
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin must take place in order for the countries to forge a peace treaty
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35219262
http://www.dw.com/en/japans-abe-to-try-and-resolve-world-war-ii-row-with-russia/a-18956623
1 JANUARY 2016
Japan’s Master Plan to Destroy the Chinese Navy in Battle
It seems that Japan is developing plans to craft its own Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) strategy—or what one former Japanese official describes as “maritime supremacy and air superiority”—against the Chinese Navy
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japans-master-plan-destroy-the-chinese-navy-battle-14779
28 DECEMBER 2015
Korea and Japan reach historic agreement on sex slave issue
South Korea and Japan have reached a landmark agreement on the thorny issue of wartime sex slaves, known as comfort women, that has long strained relations
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=186676
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151228_24.html
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/foreign-ministers-japan-and-republic-korea-comfort-women
3 DECEMBER 2015
Japan Set to Test Stealth Jet as Abe Boosts Defense Focus
Japan is closing in on becoming the fourth nation to test fly its own stealth jet, a move that could further antagonize neighboring Asian countries who’ve opposed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s bid to strengthen the role of its armed forces
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-02/japan-set-to-test-stealth-jet-as-abe-strengthens-armed-forces?cmpid=yhoo.headline
1 DECEMBER 2015
Russia building new military bases on islands claimed by Japan
Russia has begun building two modern military compounds on the far eastern Kuril islands, defence minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday, heightening long-running tensions with Japan over the disputed islands
http://news.yahoo.com/russia-building-military-bases-islands-claimed-japan-134635651.html
20 NOVEMBER 2015
U.S. approves sale of Global Hawk drones to Japan
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of three unmanned drones worth $1.2 billion to Japan, the Pentagon said Friday
http://news.yahoo.com/u-approves-sale-global-hawk-drones-japan-165257370–finance.html
1 NOVEMBER 2015
South Korea, China, Japan put hostility aside at rare summit
South Korean President Park Geun-Hye and Chinese and Japanese premiers Li Keqiang and Shinzo Abe discussed a wide range of topics, from free trade to the threat of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/south-korea-china-japan/2232370.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151101_23.html
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002534535
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/01/national/politics-diplomacy/east-asia-leaders-agree-revive-annual-trilateral-summit/#.VjaVWzgQVjp
25 OCTOBER 2015
Taiwan president says should remember good things Japan did
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Sunday it was important to remember the good things Japan did for the island while not forgetting the bad, as he marked 70 years since Japan gave up control of Taiwan at the end of World War Two
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-president-says-should-remember-good-things-japan-did
20 OCTOBER 2015
S Korea, Japan defence ministers meet as ties thaw, but Seoul, Tokyo differ over Japan’s overseas military operations
The defence ministers of South Korea and Japan held talks in Seoul on Tuesday, in a further sign that relations are beginning to emerge from an extended diplomatic deep freeze
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/s-korea-japan-defence-ministers-meet-ties-thaw
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151020_42.html
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20151020001104
29 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan, US, S.Korea discuss N.Korean missile issue
The foreign affairs chiefs of Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed that they will work together to dissuade North Korea from launching a long-range ballistic missile
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150930_03.html
21 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan must recognise Kuril islands for peace deal: Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated on Monday (Sep 21) that there is no room for compromise with Japan over the disputed south Kuril islands, calling on Tokyo to « recognise » post-WWII « historic realities »
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-must-recognise/2142368.html
19 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan passes law allowing troops to fight abroad
Japan’s upper chamber of Parliament early Saturday approved controversial bills allowing the country’s military to engage in overseas combat in limited circumstances — a major shift after seven decades of pacifism
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/18/asia/japan-military-constitution/index.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/japan-passes-law-allowing-troops-fight-150918125944422.html
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/japanese-diet-enacts-security-laws-marking-japan%E2%80%99s-departure-pacifism
15 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan pledges maritime security aid to Vietnam
Japan has promised Vietnam ships to strengthen its forces in the South China Sea, with the two nations describing large-scale land reclamation there as a threat to peace — a veiled reference to China
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/japan-pledges-maritime-security-aid-vietname-150915125026675.html
3 SEPTEMBER 2015
Japan ‘disappointed’ by Chinese leader Xi’s WWII speech
Japan said Thursday it was « disappointed » there were no signs of rapprochement in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech to mark the 70th anniversary of Tokyo’s WWII defeat, as Beijing showed off its growing might with a huge military parade
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-disappointed-chinese-leader-xis-wwii-speech http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/09/04/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-regrets-absence-reference-reconciliation-xi-speech/#.VelMrDjAJMt
26 AUGUST 2015
Barack Obama apologises to Japan over US spying claims released by Wikileaks
United States president Barack Obama apologises to Tokyo over WikiLeaks claims that Washington spied on Japanese politicians, a Japanese government spokesman says
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-08-26/barack-obama-apologises-to-japan-over-us-spying-claims-released-by-wikileaks/1486028
24 AUGUST 2015
How to normalise Sino–Japanese defence relations
Since the end of the Cold War, Japan and China have steadily developed their defence and security cooperation on top of maintaining their long-term economic and political partnership
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2015/08/24/how-to-normalise-sino-japanese-defence-relations/
22 AUGUST 2015
Russian PM visits disputed Kuril islands, triggering Japan protest
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited the Kuril islands, prompting a swift rebuke from Tokyo, which claims sovereignty over the archipelago in a long-running dispute
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/russian-pm-visits/2069404.html
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2015-08/22/content_15307412.html
25 JULY 2015
How Russia Tries to Intimidate Japan
Russia plans to massively invest in military and civilian infrastructure projects on the Kuril islands, TASS reports quoting Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
http://thediplomat.com/2015/07/how-russia-tries-to-intimidate-japan/
http://tass.ru/en/russia/810266?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=%2ASituation%20Report&utm_campaign=SitRep0724
21 JULY 2015
Japanese annual Defense white paper stresses threat posed by China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his cabinet have approved this year’s Defence White Paper, which warns of a severe security situation that is growing in the region, with China as one of the factors
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-says-security/1998914.html
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002302049
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/07/21/national/politics-diplomacy/defense-white-paper-stresses-threat-posed-china/#.Va68Du_ALVJ
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1842676/japan-sharpens-its-criticism-china
19 JULY 2015
Japan Defense Ministry picks Fuji Heavy and Bell to build new military transport helicopter
Japan has awarded Fuji Heavy Industries and Textron Inc’s Bell Helicopters a $3.02 billion deal to build a fleet of military transport aircraft that would also be sold overseas
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/defense-ministry-picks-fuji-heavy-and-bell-to-build-new-military-transport-helicopter
16 JULY 2015
Japan’s lower house of parliament approves a set of bills to allow the military to fight abroad for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s House of Representatives approved of a package of 11 security bills that would allow its Self-Defense Forces to assist its allies abroad, even if there is no direct threat to Japan, for the first time since the end of World War II
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33546465
http://www.euronews.com/2015/07/16/japan-lawmakers-approve-contentious-bills-to-bolster-military-presence-abroad/
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Abe-pushes-security-bills-through-lower-house-desp-78221.html
http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/today-headlines/2015-07/17/content_6589202.htm
7 JUNE 2015
US, Japan say first test of Raytheon’s new SM-3 missile a success
The United States and Japan on Sunday announced the first live fire test of Raytheon Co’s new Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile that is being jointly developed by the two countries for a combined cost of around $2 billion.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/500058/news/world/us-japan-say-first-test-of-raytheon-s-new-sm-3-missile-a-success
6 JUNE 2015
Abe reassures Kiev on Japan’s support
Japanese and Ukrainian leaders on Saturday agreed not to allow the changing of the status quo by force, in reference to Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine in March last year.
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002204570
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150606_35.html
5 JUNE 2015
Philippines may allow Japan’s military to use bases
Manila and Tokyo have agreed to start talks on allowing Japanese military aircraft and naval vessels to use bases in the Philippines for refuelling and picking up supplies, Philippine President Benigno Aquino has said.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/philippines-japan-military-bases-150605072014102.html
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/around_asia/AJ201506050050
1 JUNE 2015
Japan aims to boost support for Asean to thwart China
Japan’s defence minister Gen Nakatani has declared Japan’s intention to heighten its support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ member countries, to counter China’s moves to reclaim land on reefs in the Spratly Islands and establish military facilities there
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Japan-aims-to-boost-support-for-Asean-to-thwart-Ch-75860.html
14 MAY 2015
Japan Cabinet approves greater overseas defense role
Japan’s Cabinet has endorsed a set of defense bills allowing the country’s military to go beyond its self-defense stance and play a greater role internationally, a plan that has split public opinion
http://www.euronews.com/2015/05/14/japan-cabinet-approves-draft-laws-to-expand-military-role/
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/561543/japan-cabinet-oks-bills-to-expand-military-role
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32735359
12 MAY 2015
Japan steps up maritime engagement with Philippines, Vietnam
The Philippines and Japan held their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea on May 12, while Japan’s coastguard works with Vietnam this week, as Tokyo boosts maritime ties with two nations at odds with Beijing over the disputed waterway
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201505120079
7 MAY 2015
187 scholars urge Abe to address Japan’s wartime history
A group of historians and scholars of Japan studies has called on Japan to make an unbiased accounting of history as a step to promote peace and friendship in Asia. 187 noted scholars in the United States, Britain, and other countries made the appeal in a statement titled “Open Letter in Support of Historians in Japan. »
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/07/national/politics-diplomacy/187-scholars-urge-abe-address-japans-wartime-history/#.VUvfKO_GNjo
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/554499/japan-academics-call-on-tokyo-to-face-history
30 APRIL 2015
Japan considering joint US air patrols to show China they don’t own the South China Sea
Japan’s military is considering joining the United States in maritime air patrols in the South China Sea in response to China’s increasingly assertive pursuit of territorial claims, a Japanese and a U.S. source familiar with the discussions said.
http://chinadailymail.com/2015/04/30/japan-considering-joint-us-air-patrols-to-show-china-they-dont-own-the-south-china-sea/
29 APRIL 2015
Abe addresses US Congress, the first ever Japanese PM
Today Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan became the first Japanese leader ever to address a joint session of Congress. Abe summarized key themes for U.S.-Japan relations including history, as August marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150430_05.html
http://cogitasia.com/abes-speech-to-congress/
http://www.bbc.com/news/32522234
28 APRIL 2015
Abe’s Visit Marks ‘New Era’ for US-Japan Alliance
US President Barack Obama has hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House to showcase a deeper defence partnership between the two countries and advance a Pacific trade pact
http://thediplomat.com/2015/04/abes-visit-marks-new-era-for-us-japan-alliance/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/29/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-obama-bolster-alliance-globally-declare-trade-talks-progress-prime-minister-repeats-comfort-women-remorse/#.VT_8qu_GNjp
27 APRIL 2015
U.S., Japan announce new defense guidelines
The US and Japan signed a new set of defence agreements on Monday that allow for greater co-operation between their militaries at a time of rising Chinese influence in Asia.
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/83bffa24-ecf7-11e4-bebf-00144feab7de.html?siteedition=intl#axzz3YXqvYqpL
http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2015/04/27/us-japan-new-military-agreement/26443297/
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0002110981
22 APRIL 2015
China, Japan leaders meet in sign of easing tensions
The leaders of China and Japan held talks on Wednesday (Apr 22) for only the second time since taking office, seeking to repair a relationship damaged by territorial disputes and a bitter wartime legacy
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-japan-leaders-meet/1801078.html
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2015-04/22/content_15254581.html
16 APRIL 2015
Putin ready to discuss isle row but hits Japan’s sanctions over Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow is ready to hold territorial talks with Japan but that Tokyo’s move to back sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict has effectively halted such discussions
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/17/national/putin-says-hes-ready-discuss-isle-row-hits-japans-sanctions-ukraine/#.VTLCl-_GPIU
14 APRIL 2015
Korea, Japan hold first security talks for 5 years
South Korea and Japan on Tuesday held their first high-level security talks in more than five years despite simmering tensions over territorial and historical disputes
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/korea-japan-hold-first-security-talks-5-years-135959997.html
6 APRIL 2015
South Korea condemns Japanese books as bid to repeat ‘past mistakes’
South Korea condemned on Monday (Apr 6) Japan’s approval of textbooks that it said distorted history by claiming disputed islands, summoning Japan’s ambassador and warning that the approval was a sign Japan was prepared to repeat its colonial wartime past.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/south-korea-condemns/1769134.html
http://www.euronews.com/2015/04/06/school-text-books-fuel-south-korea-japan-island-dispute/
31 MARCH 2015
Japan extends North Korea sanctions amid stalled abduction probe
Japan says it will extend sanctions against North Korea for two more years, citing no progress in talks on abducted Japanese nationals
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32126588
26 MARCH 2015
Japan unveils Izumo, its largest warship since World War II
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has taken delivery of the Izumo, the largest Japanese military vessel to see service since World War II
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/26/asia/japan-msdf-new-helicopter-carrier/index.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/11497780/Japan-receives-biggest-warship-since-Second-World-War.html
21 MARCH 2015
China, Japan, South Korea hold first FM talks for three years
The foreign ministers of South Korea, China and Japan gathered in Seoul on Saturday for their first meeting in nearly three years, aimed at calming regional tensions rooted in territorial and other diplomatic disputes
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/asian-powers-hold-talks-year-hiatus-150321065405173.html
http://www.euronews.com/2015/03/21/china-japan-and-south-korea-meet-to-improve-frosty-relations/
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/s-korea-china-japan-vow-bring-about-leadership-summit
19 MARCH 2015
China and Japan hold first security talks in four years
Japan and China held security talks Thursday after a four-year hiatus because of simmering territorial tensions with the two sides agreeing to hold meetings « more frequently » to speed up a thaw in once-frozen relations, officials said http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/502123/japan-china-in-security-talks-after-4-year-break
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31957664
18 MARCH 2015
Japan ruling bloc agrees on new security legislation
Japan’s ruling parties reached broad agreement on Wednesday that paves the way for the most drastic change in the nation’s security policy in six decades and sets the stage to update guidelines for defence cooperation with Washington.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-ruling-bloc-agrees/1725000.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/18/national/politics-diplomacy/komeito-agrees-to-permanent-law-on-dispatch-of-sdf/#.VQn41e9_lMs
13 MARCH 2015
Japan, France sign defence pact to spur cooperation, joint development
Japan and France signed a deal on military equipment and technology transfers on Friday, in a move to drive cooperation and joint development of defence gear, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe strengthens security ties with major powers
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-france-sign-defenc/1714548.html
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2015-03/13/content_15238805.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/13/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-france-ink-defense-gear-transfer-pact-at-two-plus-two-meeting/#.VQNlvO9_nmQ
22 FEBRUARY 2015
Japan calls for return of isles from S Korea
Japan urged South Korea again Sunday to return disputed islets, one of the issues which have soured ties between the two US allies. Seoul controls the islands which it calls Dokdo. They are known in Japan as Takeshima.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-calls-return-isles-s-korea
7 FEBRUARY 2015
Abe hopeful for Japan-Russia island dispute resolution
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says a decades-long territorial dispute between Japan and Russia could soon be resolved, but Tokyo’s decision to slap sanctions in response to Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine, appears to have complicated the progress of the territorial talks.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/abe-hopeful-for-japan/1643770.html
6 FEBRUARY 2015
Japan says it won’t give in to terrorism – but no troops
Japan told the world’s nations Thursday it will never give in to terrorism and will continue providing non-military assistance for the fight against the Islamic State and other extremist groups — but not military troops or equipment “at this point.”
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-says-it-wont-give-in-to-terrorism-but-no-troops
3 FEBRUARY 2015
Doubts raised over Japan’s ability to handle international crisis
Japan’s failure to rescue two hostages beheaded by Islamic State militants has raised doubts about its ability to handle an international crisis, as the country reels from news of journalist Kenji Goto’s killing
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/doubts-raised-over-japans-ability-to-handle-international-crisis
1 FEBRUARY 2015
Prime Minister Abe condemns Islamic State, vows justice for Goto
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Feb. 1 condemned the apparent killing of journalist Kenji Goto by Islamic State, vowing to work with other nations to bring those responsible to justice.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201502010016
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/02/01/national/islamic-state-group-purportedly-releases-goto-execution-video/#.VM6q4u83Nla
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201502010012
17 JANUARY 2015
Japan seeks closer maritime defence ties with India
Japan’s foreign minister Fumio Kishida used a visit to India on Saturday (Jan 17) to push for tighter maritime security ties between the two nations, as Tokyo seeks to shore up its relationships in Asia to counter an increasingly powerful China.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-seeks-closer/1596552.html
14 JANUARY 2015
Japan approves largest ever defence budget
Japan’s cabinet has approved the country’s largest defence budget, with plans to buy surveillance aircraft and F-35 fighter jets to improve defences of disputed islands amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2015/01/japan-approves-record-defence-budget-2015114391974279.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/11345913/Japan-approves-largest-ever-defence-budget-as-Hiroshima-mayor-calls-for-peace.html
10 JANUARY 2015
Japan eyes new law to aid non-U.S. forces in international conflicts
The government plans to enact a law authorizing the Self-Defense Forces to support allied foreign militaries other than U.S. forces in the event of international conflicts, an outline of security-related legislation showed Saturday.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/10/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-eyes-new-law-to-aid-non-u-s-forces-in-international-conflicts/#.VLGk7b3LTUA
28 DECEMBER 2014
USA, Japan and South Korea sign a “Sharing Arrangement Concerning the Nuclear and Missile Threats Posed by North Korea”
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Defense of Japan, and the Department of Defense of the United States of America finalized a trilateral information sharing arrangement concerning the nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea
http://www.asiaobserver.org/security-in-asia
26 DECEMBER 2014
US delivers second radar defense system to Japan
The new Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance system (AN/TPY-2) aims to « enhance sensor coverage for ballistic missile defense of Japan and the US homeland, » the Defense Department said in a statement.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/452294/us-delivers-second-radar-defense-system-to-japan
5 DECEMBER 2014
The Okinawa Reality
Geopolitical realities suggest that the recent election of an anti-base candidate is unlikely to change much.
http://thediplomat.com/2014/12/the-okinawa-reality/
1 DECEMBER 2014
Japan starts destruction of WWII chemical weapons in China
A Japanese-built facility in China on Monday began destroying the largest cache of World War II chemical weapons abandoned in the country, Tokyo officials said, in a rare case of cooperation between the two countries
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-starts-destruction-wwii-chemical-weapons-china
27 NOVEMBER 2014
Sino-Japan Ties Improving?
Graded on a curve, there was progress at the APEC summit
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/china-japan-ties-improving/
13 NOVEMBER 2014
Abe pledges aggressive infrastructure support to ASEAN members
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe voiced his intention to aggressively provide assistance for infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, his latest move to counter efforts by China to gain influence in the region.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/around_asia/AJ201411130062
10 NOVEMBER 2014
China and Japan leaders hold talks in Beijing
The leaders of China and Japan have held one-on-one talks for the first time since they took office, signalling willingness to put on the back burner a bitter row over disputed islands and Japan’s war-time aggression.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/11/china-japan-leaders-hold-talks-beijing-201411104626592285.html
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinas-xi-japans-abe-hold-landmark-meeting-after-awkward-handshake
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29983537
7 NOVEMBER 2014
China and Japan smooth over East China Sea island row
Beijing officials said a crisis management mechanism had been set up to prevent the situation from worsening.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29947967
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201411070091
4 NOVEMBER 2014
Aquino explains backing Japan’s new self-defense policy
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Tuesday he is backing the Abe administration’s reinterpretation of the Constitution to be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/04/national/aquino-explains-backing-japans-new-self-defense-policy/#.VFlUAb3LTIU
27 OCTOBER 2014
Japan delegation arrives in N.Korea over kidnapping probe
A Japanese delegation arrived in North Korea on Monday for talks centred on Pyongyang’s investigation into the Cold War kidnappings of Japanese citizens, which has marred relations for years.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/439903/japan-delegation-arrives-in-n-korea-over-kidnapping-probe
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2996554
26 OCTOBER 2014
Japan Builds Response to Chinese Area-Denial Strategy
Japan’s response to Chinese anti-access/area-denial threats rest on three planks: increasingly large helicopter carriers, next-generation 3,300-ton Soryu-class submarines and new Aegis destroyers.
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141026/DEFREG03/310260020/Japan-Builds-Response-Chinese-Area-Denial-Strategy
22 OCTOBER 2014
China-Japan talks fuel hope of meeting to end tension
Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso has met China’s Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli in Beijing, fuelling speculation of a possible meeting between the two countries’ leaders.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29724179
17 OCTOBER 2014
Japan’s Abe irks China, S Korea with shrine offering
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine yesterday, prompting sharp rebukes from China and South Korea, even as Abe seeks meetings with their leaders to improve strained ties.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/10/18/2003602336
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/17/china-protests-japan-shinzo-abe-yasukuni-shrine
16 OCTOBER 2014
Abe plays up friendship with China while pushing for summit with Xi
In the world of diplomacy, words can be a weapon. With this in mind, the Japanese prime minister’s latest remarks are particularly significant. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has recently started using the expression « stable friendly relations » in reference to Japan-China ties.
http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Abe-plays-up-friendship-with-China-while-pushing-for-summit-with-Xi
29 SEPTEMBER 2014
Japan, Intelligence and Security
In 1997, the Japanese government unveiled a plan for wide-scale centralization and reform of the nation’s intelligence community. Hoping to consolidate the myriad of small intelligence agencies and bureaus, the plan called for the creation of super-agencies that combined military and civilian, foreign and domestic intelligence operations
http://www.faqs.org/espionage/Int-Ke/Japan-Intelligence-and-Security.html
24 SEPTEMBER 2014
Japan steps up sanctions as tensions rise with Russia
Japan has imposed additional sanctions on Russia for its involvement in the Ukraine crisis http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29345451
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-says-visit-putin-aide-disputed-island-regrettable
19 SEPTEMBER 2014
Ex-Japan PM Hoshiro Mori visits South Korea in hope of easing troubled ties
Former Japanese premier Hoshiro Mori brings a letter from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he meets South Korean President Park Geun-hye during a visit to Seoul from Friday, a government spokesman, as Tokyo seeks a thaw in frosty ties
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140919000872
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/ex-japan-pm-visit-south-korea-hope-easing-troubled-ties
12 SEPTEMBER 2014
History and the Possibility of Taiwan-Japan Relations
Many Taiwanese have a surprisingly positive take on Japan’s colonial legacy, with memories that remain salient today.
http://thediplomat.com/2014/09/history-and-the-possibility-of-taiwan-japan-relations/
8 SEPTEMBER 2014
Australia ‘to buy Japanese submarines’
News Corp Australia claims the Australian government will select the Japanese-built Soryu Class submarine to replace locally built Collins Class boats, when they retire in 2030.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2014-09/08/content_15164405.html
Chongryon chief visits North Korea for first time in eight years
The head of the most influential pro-North Korea organization in Japan is back in Pyongyang for the first time in eight years and might end up meeting with leader Kim Jong Un.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/07/national/head-of-japans-top-pro-pyongyang-group-arrives-in-north-korea-for-the-first-time-in-eight-years/#.VA3FKL1OLmI
7 SEPTEMBER 2014
Dhaka quits UN race for Tokyo
In a major policy decision in favour of Japan, Bangladesh has withdrawn its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2016-17
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Dhaka-quits-UN-race-for-Tokyo-64237.html
Abe becomes first Japanese PM to visit Sri Lanka in 24 years
Shinzo Abe on Sunday became the first Japanese prime minister to visit Sri Lanka in 24 years, on the second leg of a South Asian tour that sought to assert Tokyo’s interest in a region where it has ceded influence to China
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/abe-becomes-first-japanese-pm-visit-sri-lanka-24-years
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-sri-lanka-leaders/1350640.html
3 SEPTEMBER 2014
Japan’s Shinzo Abe appoints pro-China MPs in bid to mend fences with Beijing
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has signalled a rare attempt to mend fences with China when he appointed two MPs considered friendly towards Beijing to two senior posts in his governing Liberal Democratic party (LDP).
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/03/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-five-women-cabinet
1 SEPTEMBER 2014
Japan and India vow to boost strategic ties during summit
Japan and India agreed on Monday to strengthen defence ties as Asia’s second and third biggest economies keep a wary eye on a rising China, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashing out at the « expansionism » of some nations
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-and-india-vow-boost-strategic-ties-during-summit
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/429897/india-and-japan-will-shape-21st-century-says-modi
29 AUGUST 2014
UN issues fresh call to Japan over WWII ‘comfort women’
A UN watchdog issued a fresh call Friday to Japan to take full blame for forcing women from Korea and elsewhere in Asia to work as sex slaves during World War II.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/429474/un-issues-fresh-call-to-japan-over-wwii-comfort-women29
22 AUGUST 2014
Japan Joins the Great Arms Bazaar
Japan’s major defense contractors are wasting no time taking advantage of a decision by the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last April to relax the half-century self-imposed ban on sales of military equipment abroad. There had been a total ban on such exports since the late 1960s.
http://www.asiasentinel.com/econ-business/japan-joins-great-arms-bazaar/
6 AUGUST 2014
Japanese white paper raps China’s dangerous ADIZ
Japan’s defence white paper for 2014 criticises China’s air defence identification zone, which declared unilaterally in November over the East China Sea, as dangerous, asserting the move could result in “unintended consequences,” and expressed strong concern over China’s expansion of military power
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Japanese-white-paper-raps-China’s-dangerous-ADIZ-63125.html
1 AUGUST 2014
Tokyo gives Hanoi six naval ships to counter China
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announces the gift during a visit to Vietnam, adding that both nations agree on « maintaining peace and stability » in the region. For a Chinese scholar, the action will be « perceived as hostility by China »
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Tokyo-gives-Hanoi-six-naval-ships-to-counter-China-31789.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28599397
29 JULY 2014
Japan, France agree on defence equipment cooperation
Japan and France on Tuesday agreed to enhance defence cooperation, including the joint development of military equipment, Japanese officials said
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/423156/japan-france-agree-on-defence-equipment-cooperation
28 JULY 2014
Japan to step up sanctions against Russia amid Ukraine unrest
Japan will impose additional sanctions on Russia for failing to defuse the crisis in Ukraine, where the recent downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet killed all 298 people aboard, the government said Monday
http://asiancorrespondent.com/125204/japan-to-step-up-sanctions-against-russia-amid-ukraine-unrest/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/07/28/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-announces-additional-sanctions-on-russia-over-ukraine/
26 JULY 2014
Tokyo releases records to boost claim to islands
Japan has released declassified diplomatic archives indicating that both China and Taiwan started asserting their ownership of the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands only from 1971
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Tokyo-releases-records-to-boost-claim-to-islands-62776.html
25 JULY 2014
Japan rejects UN watchdog’s call on ‘comfort women’
Japan on Friday rejected a call by a UN watchdog to accept full blame for pressing Asian women into wartime sexual slavery in military brothels, saying it was not obligated to do so
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/422563/japan-rejects-un-watchdog-call-on-comfort-women
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/623442/japan-rejects-un-watchdogs-call-on-comfort-women
3 JULY 2014
Japan to lift some sanctions against North Korea after abductions decision
Japan is to lift some sanctions against North Korea after the regime in Pyongyang agreed to reinvestigate the fates of Japanese nationals abducted by its agents during the cold war
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/japan-to-lift-some-sanctions-against-north-korea-after-abductee-move
http://www.euronews.com/2014/07/03/japan-set-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/07/03/national/japan-outlines-sanctions-reward-for-n-koreas-action-on-abductions/#.U7WuNL1OLmI
2 JULY 2014
What Japan’s military shift means
The administration of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced a major new interpretation of the security provisions of the country’s 1947 constitution, permitting its Self Defence Forces (SDF) to participate for the first time in collective self-defence related activities
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28122791
24 JUNE 2014
Aquino backs Abe’s bid to amend Japan charter for stronger military
President Aquino on Tuesday endorsed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to amend Japan’s constitution and expand the Japanese role on regional security amid China’s expansionism moves
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107009/aquino-backs-japans-larger-military-role
22 JUNE 2014
Taiwan’s first lady drops Japan visit
Taiwan’s first lady has postponed a rare visit to Japan after a diplomatic row over the wording of posters promoting the island’s exhibition in Tokyo of treasured artefacts
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/416777/taiwan-first-lady-drops-japan-visit
3 JUNE 2014
Japan PM may visit North Korea in kidnap probe
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may make a rare visit to North Korea, his foreign minister said Tuesday, days after announcing a deal to re-open the probe into Japanese citizens kidnapped by spies in the Cold War years
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/413446/japan-pm-may-visit-north-korea-in-kidnap-probe
1 JUNE 2014
Japan, Vietnam deepen defence ties
Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera and Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen Phung Quang Thanh agreed Sunday to strengthen defence cooperation amid alarm in both countries over China’s maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/413008/japan-vietnam-deepen-defence-ties
31 MAY 2014
Chinese ships in disputed waters with Japan
Two Chinese coastguard ships sailed into disputed waters off Japan-administered islands in the East China Sea Saturday, officials said, as the United States warned Beijing over increasing territorial assertiveness http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/412843/japan-says-chinese-ships-in-disputed-waters http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-05/31/c_133375656.htm
30 MAY 2014
Abe backs Asean position
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged on Friday to support Vietnam and the Philippines in their territorial disputes with China, saying the use of force and intimidation to change the status quo cannot be justified.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/412721/abe-stands-up-for-asean
Japan plans more proactive role in Asian security
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Friday that his country would play a larger role in promoting peace in Asia, and called for the rule of law to be upheld in the region.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/412722/japan-plans-more-proactive-role-in-asian-security
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27630604
25 MAY 2014
China and Japan trade blame over plane action
Japan and China have traded accusations after China scrambled fighter jets when Japanese military aircraft entered an air defence zone declared by Beijing over the East China Sea
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/05/china-japan-trade-blame-over-plane-action-2014525123455438729.html
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/25/china-japan-jets-south-china-sea
21 MAY 2014
Japan to set up 3 military outposts near disputed isles: Report
Japan plans to set up military outposts on three islands far west of Tokyo to boost the defence of its outlying islands, including a group of rocky outcrops also claimed by China
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-set-3-military-outposts-near-disputed-isles-report
17 MAY 2014
Japan, China ministers hold first meeting since war shrine trip
The Japanese and Chinese trade ministers held talks Saturday in the first high-level meeting between the two countries since a visit by Japan’s premier to a controversial war shrine sparked a furious diplomatic row in December.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-china-ministers-hold-first-meeting-war-shrine-trip
15 MAY 2014
Shinzo Abe reveals plans to lift Japan’s ban on fighting in conflicts overseas
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for a new interpretation of the constitution, which could pave the way for the military to fight overseas
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/15/shinzo-abe-plan-lift-japan-ban-fighting-conflicts-overseas
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27420077
4 MAY 2014
Japan delegation leaves for Beijing to mend ties with China amid territorial dispute
A delegation of senior Japanese lawmakers left for China Sunday to try to mend ties amid a territorial dispute which has prevented a leaders’ summit
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-delegation-leaves-beijing-mend-ties-china-amid-territorial-dispute
25 APRIL 2014
Obama says Japan’s wartime sex slavery was ‘terrible’ violation
The Japanese wartime system of sex slavery was a « terrible » violation of human rights and its victims need to be heard, US President Barack Obama said Friday in Seoul
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/406628/obama-says-japan-wartime-sex-slavery-was-terrible-violation
23 APRIL 2014
Obama pledges Japan islands support as Asian tour begins
US President Barack Obama has assured Japan that islands at the centre of its territorial dispute with China are covered by a bilateral defence treaty
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27116863
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/regional-news/2014/04/24/406109/Diaoyutais-within.htm
22 APRIL 2014
Japan lodges protest against China ship seizure
Tokyo said Tuesday it has lodged a formal protest against China’s seizure of a Japanese ship over unpaid bills dating back to the 1930s, in the latest row to underscore the bitter enmity between the Asian giants http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/406059/japan-lodges-protest-against-china-ship-seizure
21 APRIL 2014
Chinese Court Orders Japanese Boat Seized for Wartime Compensation
A court in Shanghai has ordered the seizure of a Japanese ship as reparation for a debt dating back to the 1930s. The move is considered the first confiscation of Japanese assets in a lawsuit over wartime compensation
http://www.voanews.com/content/chinese-court-orders-japanese-boat-seized-for-wartime-compensation/1897720.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/405922/japan-warns-over-china-ship-seizure
19 APRIL 2014
Japan risks angering China with military expansion
Planned construction of radar station near Taiwan is latest twist in row over disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/19/japan-china-radar-station-near-taiwan
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-expands-army-footprint-first-time-40-years-risks-angering-china
31 MARCH 2014
UN orders Japan to halt whaling in the Antarctic
United Nations judges have ordered Japan to end whale hunts in the Antarctic after dismissing Japanese arguments that the hunting was carried out for scientific research purposes
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/10734305/UN-orders-Japan-to-halt-whaling-in-the-Antarctic.html
http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/31/un-court-bans-japanese-whaling-in-antarctic/
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-says-abide-un-courts-antarctic-whaling-ban
30 MARCH 2014
Japan, North Korea diplomats seek thaw in ties
At their first formal talks since November 2012, senior Japanese and North Korean diplomats on Sunday agreed to work toward settling “outstanding issues” impeding bilateral ties
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/03/30/national/diplomats-seek-thaw-in-dealings-with-north/#.UzhnJ71OLIU
20 MARCH 2014
Could China and Japan Work Together in East Africa?
Despite troubled relations at home, the two countries have a shared interest in Africa
http://thediplomat.com/2014/03/could-china-and-japan-work-together-in-east-africa/
Japan, N. Korea move to restart formal talks
Japan and North Korea are moving to restart formal government-level talks, a Japanese foreign ministry official said Thursday, after a shift over the contentious issue of Pyongyang’s past abductions of Japanese citizens
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/400850/japan-n-korea-move-to-restart-formal-talks
12 MARCH 2014
Japan, South Korea Hold High-level Talks Amid Strained Ties
South Korea and Japan held vice ministerial-level talks Wednesday in Seoul to discuss improving strained relations
http://www.voanews.com/content/japan-skorea-hold-highlevel-talks-amid-strained-ties/1869376.html
7 MARCH 2014
Japan: No N. Korea Aid Until Abduction Issue Resolved
Japan says it will not provide any aid to North Korea until the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North is resolved
http://www.voanews.com/content/japan-no-n-korea-aid-until-abduction-issue-resolved/1865975.html
1 MARCH 2014
South Korea warns Japan over comfort women review
South Korean President Park Geun-hye has warned Japan it will only bring isolation on itself if it reviews a statement acknowledging its wartime use of sex slaves
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26394850
26 FEBRUARY 2014
Japan moves to relax arms-export ban
Japan’s ruling party wants to loosen self-imposed rules banning arms exports in a bid to boost the country’s defence influence, a report said Wednesday, a move that would mark a major shift from its pacifism and could irritate China
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/397092/japan-moves-to-relax-arms-export-ban-report
China steps up propaganda war on Japan
China has embarked on a major propaganda campaign, including plans to mark the ‘rape of Nanjing’ in new national holiday, to discredit Japan on the world stage
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10662966/China-steps-up-propaganda-war-on-Japan.html
24 FEBRUARY 2014
Russo-Japanese Rapprochement Moves Forward
Despite the mounting ferocity of Sino-Japanese rhetoric, China’s partner Russia is moving forward on normalizing its ties with Japan. Indeed, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Sochi on February 8, and Putin has accepted an invitation to visit Tokyo in May
http://www.jamestown.org/regions/chinaasiapacific/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=42009&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=665&cHash=65d664eb52b912540a07701edf9b4f2b#.Uw0BmL3LTIU
5 FEBRUARY 2014
NHK governor campaigns for revisionist in Tokyo election
A Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) governor handpicked by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Nanking Massacre was a fabrication designed to cancel out U.S. atrocities during speeches supporting a like-minded candidate in the Tokyo gubernatorial election. http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201402040048 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26029614
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/393410/china-furious-at-japan-nhk-manager-nanjing-denial
3 FEBRUARY 2014
The Japan-India strategic equation is not working
If New Delhi’s motive in according Abe the high honour was to elevate the profile of this year’s summit meeting and nudge him to sign on the dotted line of the proposed Japan-India civil nuclear cooperation accord, the outcome was far from satisfactory.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/02/03/the-japan-india-strategic-equation-is-not-working/
28 JANUARY 2014
Disputed islands are ours, Japan’s new textbooks claim
Japan risked further irking their close neighbors China and South Korea on Tuesday, when the government announced textbooks were being changed to make it clear that two sets of remote islands at the center of sovereignty disputes are integral parts of their territory
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/28/22477682-disputed-islands-are-ours-japans-new-textbooks-claim?lite
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Japan-revises-teaching-manuals-to-include-island-c-56596.html
27 JANUARY 2014
Peace Is The Only Answer In China-Japan Island Dispute – Analysis
The East China Sea territorial dispute between China and Japan figured prominently in various geopolitical risk forecasts for 2014, and with good reason. Neither side shows any sign of standing down, and with every new military deployment near the contested area comes an increased risk of a small-scale military incident spiraling into war
http://www.eurasiareview.com/27012014-peace-answer-china-japan-island-dispute-analysis/
Japan govt distances itself from NHK head’s ‘comfort women’ comments
Tokyo on Monday distanced itself from comments by the new head of national broadcaster NHK, who said the Imperial Army’s system of wartime sex slavery was not unique to Japan
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391754/japan-govt-distances-itself-from-nhk-head-comfort-women-comments
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/japan-sex-slaves-korea-nhk-katsuto-momii
26 JANUARY 2014
Japan TV chief dismisses wartime sex slavery
New NHK boss says Japan’s World War Two policy of forcing conquered women into brothels was « common in every country »
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/japan-tv-chief-dismisses-wartime-sex-slavery-201412652738860639.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25901572
25 JANUARY 2014
India, Japan pledge stronger defence ties
India and Japan late Saturday affirmed plans to « further strengthen » defence cooperation against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/india-japan-pledge/968530.html
http://www.jamestown.org/regions/chinaasiapacific/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=41870&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=52&cHash=13fc3dd883ad5b6975463c2215ab0c80#.UuWCW8vLTIU
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/01/26/india-and-japan-asias-win-win-partnership/
24 JANUARY 2014
Abe’s Yasukuni visit: the view from Japan
Some analysts denounce Abe for his ignorance of the impact of his visit upon China and South Korea and upon security in Northeast Asia. Hugh White points to Japan’s strategic predicament between China and the United States as a reason for his visit. However, these views do not address the Yasukuni issue in Japan’s domestic politics.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/01/24/abes-yasukuni-visit-the-view-from-japan/
22 JANUARY 2014
Korea-Japan tension rises over memorial
Tension is intensifying further in Northeast Asia after Japan protested the launch of new facilities devoted to a Korean independence fighter in China, triggering strong condemnation from Seoul
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140121000770
20 JANUARY 2014
China memorial to Korean assassin sparks Japan feud
Japan on Monday protested against a Chinese memorial to a Korean who assassinated a Japanese official over a century ago, branding him a terrorist and saying the move did not help repair deteriorating ties
http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-japan-protests-chinese-memorial-korean-assassin-ties-fray/1833517.html http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/390509/china-memorial-to-korean-assassin-sparks-japan-feud
10 JANUARY 2014
China postpones private exchange programs with Japan
China has postponed its private sectors’ exchange programs with Japanese counterparts scheduled this month, the government’s top spokesperson said Thursday.
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0000929349
9 JANUARY 2014
Japan, France discuss arms, Africa at two+two talks in Paris
Japan’s defence and foreign ministers were in Paris on Thursday to talk with their French counterparts about regional security, a first step towards future joint military equipment projects.
http://www.english.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20140109-japan-france-discuss-arms-africa-twotwo-talks-paris
China takes Japan shrine dispute to UN
China has taken its feud with Japan to the UN, questioning Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s « erroneous outlook » on history after he visited a shrine commemorating former leaders convicted as war criminals. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/china-takes-japan-shrine-dispute-un-20141912939172706.html
6 JANUARY 2014
Japan PM Abe urges dialogue with China, Korea
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he wants to explain to leaders in China and South Korea about his visits to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which honors the country’s war dead.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/117947/japan-pm-abe-urges-dialogue-with-china-korea/
30 DECEMBER 2013
Japanese goverment wants sea lanes part of self-defence
Japan wants to join patrols of vital sea lanes with foreign forces and launch counter attacks if ships of other nations come under attack
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Japanese-govt-wants-sea-lanes-part-of-self-defence-55538.html
23 APRIL 2013
Japan threatens China over disputed islands landings
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed on Tuesday to « expel by force » any attempt by China to land on the disputed Senkaku Islands, after eight state-owned Chinese ships sailed into the territorial waters surrounding the archipelago. http://www.france24.com/en/20130423-china-japan-senkaku-islands-territorial-dispute http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-pm-vows-to-expel-by-force-any-chin/648614.html http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/04/20134234352877776.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22260140
13 APRIL 2013
In Okinawa, the war isn’t over: Protests aimed at new US base
The Pentagon plans to put a new Marine Corps air base in the seaside village of Henoko, Okinawa, in 2022, and many residents aren’t happy about it. http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/13/17598118-in-okinawa-the-war-isnt-over-protests-aimed-at-new-us-base?lite
10 APRIL 2013
China anger at Japan-Taiwan disputed island fishing deal
Japan and Taiwan have signed a deal allowing Taiwan to fish near a group of disputed islands, prompting China to express « extreme concerns ». http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-22092853
9 APRIL 2013
Patriot missiles installed in Tokyo on N. Korea threat
Japan has deployed Patriot missiles in its capital as it readies to defend the 30 million people who live in greater Tokyo from any North Korean attack, officials said Tuesday. http://www.france24.com/en/20130409-japan-patriot-missiles-tokyo-defend-north-korean-attack-usa
18 MARCH 2013
Japan’s new patrol aircraft equipped to combat Chinese submarine
Japan’s defense ministry has announced that its domestic P-1 patrol aircraft designed and produced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries will begin its service with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force this month, reports the Tokyo-based Kyodo News. http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130318000059&cid=1101
17 MARCH 2013
North Korea Threatens Japan with Attack
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency carried a statement from the Foreign Ministry Sunday saying that it would be a fatal mistake for Japan if it thinks it will be safe when a war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula. http://www.voanews.com/content/north-korea-threatens-japan-with-attack/1623026.html
13 MARCH 2013
Japan seeks defence ties with ASEAN amid China rows
Japan on Wednesday 13 March called for stronger security ties with Southeast Asia as Tokyo looks to boost alliances at a time of growing territorial tensions with China http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1259652/1/.html
11 MARCH 2013
Beijing protests Tokyo’s one-China policy violation
China on Monday lodged strong protests to Japan over violations of the one-China policy related to Tokyo’s anniversary commemoration of its devastating earthquake. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-03/12/content_16299877.htm
1 MARCH 2013
US sailors jailed in Okinawa rape trial
Two American sailors have been jailed for the rape of a Japanese woman in a case that has led to fury over US military in Japan. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/03/201331112859759495.html
23 FEBRUARY 2013
Tokyo and Washington allied against North Korea, but diplomatic with Beijing
In the interview at the White House, Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe and Barak Obama confirm the economic and political alliance between the two countries. Japan is the most important partner for the U.S. in Asia. Obama’s silence on disputed islands between Japan and China. http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Tokyo-and-Washington-allied-against-North-Korea,-but-diplomatic-with-Beijing-27221.html
8 FEBRUARY 2013
7 reasons China and Japan won’t go to war
Even as tensions between Beijing and Tokyo grow by the day, there are good reasons to believe outright conflict can be avoided. http://thediplomat.com/2013/02/08/7-reasons-china-and-japan-wont-go-to-war/
7 FEBRUARY 2013
Russia-Japan dispute over erupts again
Two Russian fighter jets have violated Japanese airspace, prompting Tokyo to scramble its own aircraft, reports say. http://www.euronews.com/2013/02/07/russia-japan-dispute-over-islands-erupts-again/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21364559 http://www.voanews.com/content/japanese-pm-pledges-to-solve-territorial-dispute-with-russia/1598834.html
6 FEBRUARY 2013
Japan plans increased defence spending to deter neighbours
One of Japan’s political priorities under its new government led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be to boost the capability of its Self-Defence Forces (SDF). http://www.worldreview.info/content/japan-plans-increased-defence-spending-deter-neighbours
2 FEBRUARY 2013
Japan PM Vows to Protect Disputed Islands from China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to defend disputed islands from incursions by China, after a series of confrontations at sea. http://www.voanews.com/content/japan-pm-vows-to-protect-disputed-islands-from-china/1595783.html http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1251817/1/.html http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Disputed-Senkaku-/-Diaoyu-islands-to-be-defended-“at-any-cost”-says-Japanese-27034.html
2 FEBRUARY 2013
Japanese Premier Won’t Take Step in Relocating U.S. Base Before Meeting Obama
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said Saturday that he would not immediately ask the Okinawan authorities for approval to begin constructing a long-stalled American air base, casting doubt on his government’s hopes to show progress in a troubled base-relocation plan ahead of his planned trip to Washington later this month. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/world/asia/japanese-premier-holds-back-on-us-base-relocation.html?ref=asia
30 OCTOBER 2013
JCG to create 600-strong Senkaku unit
To beef up security around the Senkaku Islands, the Japan Coast Guard will create a 600-member unit exclusively engaged in front-line missions in waters around the islands, where spotting Chinese vessels has become a daily operation, according to sources. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T130129004614.htm
25 JANUARY 2013
Japan pivots south, with eye on China
After decades of self-imposed pacifism, Japan is beginning to carve out a new role in regional maritime affairs. Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has launched a charm offensive across the Pacific, with Australia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam among the countries Tokyo is bidding to align against China’s rising assertiveness http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/OA26Dh01.html
Japan Envoy Meets Chinese Communist Party Chief Over Island Dispute
A special envoy from Japan met China’s Communist Party chief, Xi Jinping, Friday and expressed the hope that the territorial tensions between the two countries over a group of islands in the East China Sea could be resolved. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/427929/20130125/senkaku-diaoyu-island-east-china-sea-japan-shinzo-abe-xi-jinping-natsuo-yamaguchi-new-komeito-beijin.htm http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/201312515545263204.html
24 JANUARY 2313
Asia’s other island spat…between Japan and Russia
As tensions mount in the East and South China Seas, a dispute over islands between Tokyo and Moscow has also been left unresolved. http://thediplomat.com/2013/01/24/history-aside-a-russian-japan-rapprochement/
19 JANUARY 2013
U.S. links Abe-Obama meet to progress on major issues
The United States has pressed Japan to achieve results concerning key bilateral issues before Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Washington, effectively setting hurdles for Tokyo, which wants enhanced ties with its main ally, diplomatic sources said. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20130119a3.html
18 JANUARY 2013
Clinton assures Japan on islands, invites Abe to U.S. in February
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton assured Japan on Friday of U.S. support in Tokyo’s dispute with Beijing over a string of islands and invited new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Washington in late February for a meeting with President Barack Obama. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-japan-usa-idUSBRE90H1AX20130118
Abe Steps into Southeast Asia’s Spotlight: Japan Reengages ASEAN
Japan’s new prime minister Shinzo Abe traveled to Southeast Asia from January 16-18 for his first overseas trip with stops in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Abe initially hoped to make the United States his first visit abroad, but Southeast Asia is a notable second choice. http://cogitasia.com/abe-steps-into-southeast-asia%E2%80%99s-spotlight-japan-reengages-asean/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cogitasia%2FZCwV+%28cogitASIA+Posts%29&goback=%2Egde_134242_member_206487307
11 JANUARY 2013
New Japan PM: China’s island dispute moves ‘wrong’
Reaffirming his hawkish stance on China, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday that Japan will not negotiate with Beijing over a contested cluster of uninhabited islands and that China was “wrong” for allowing violent protests over the territorial dispute. http://asiancorrespondent.com/95259/new-japan-pm-chinas-island-dispute-moves-wrong/
1 JANUARY 2013
Tokyo eyeing purchase of US spy drones
The Japanese government has embarked on a plan to acquire the Global Hawk–a high-altitude, long-distance unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft–from the United States to enhance the ability of Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to collect information, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=40822&sec=1
31 DECEMBER 2012
Chinese fishing boat ‘detained in Japan’
Japan’s coastguard has detained a Chinese fishing boat within Japanese waters, China’s Xinhua news agency said, citing the Chinese consulate general in Fukuoka, a city in southwestern Japan. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/12/20121231443436671.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20873208
Three China ships in waters around disputed islands: Japan
Three Chinese government ships on Monday 31 entered territorial waters around East China Sea islands at the centre of a dispute with Tokyo, Japan’s coastguard said. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1245302/1/.html
21 DECEMBER 2012
Bill confirms U.S. backing on Senkakus / ‘Security treaty applies to isles’ in Okinawa
The U.S. Congress has approved a defense policy bill for fiscal 2013, which reconfirms the Senkaku Islands are subject to Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. security treaty obliging the United States to defend Japan in case of hostilities.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121222003037.htm
13 DECEMBER 2012
Japan accuses China of airspace violation in island row
Japan has lodged a formal protest with China after a Chinese plane reportedly flew close to islands claimed by both countries. http://www.euronews.com/2012/12/13/japan-accuses-china-of-airspace-violation-in-islands-row/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20707760
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/13/world/asia/japan-china-disputed-islands/index.html?hpt=ias_c1
9 NOVEMBER 2012
Japan turns to US amid fears over China
Japan’s defence minister has called for revision of the guidelines that govern its military co-operation with the US, amid concern in the region over China’s increasingly assertive maritime policies and rapidly growing naval power.
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4ddae432-2a62-11e2-a137-00144feabdc0.html?goback=%2Egde_1569157_member_184578755#axzz2B9u2L8sh
3 NOVEMBER 2012
The Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute: can China and Japan trust one another?
China and Japan’s dispute over sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands is getting more and more complicated. http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/11/03/the-senkakudiaoyu-dispute-can-china-and-japan-trust-one-another/
2 NOVEMBER 2012
Understanding the complexity of Okinawa
For decades, the US military presence in Okinawa has been in the background of the US–Japan alliance, but this month the island received national and international attention.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/11/02/understanding-the-complexity-of-okinawa/
30 OCTOBER 2012
Japan to boost maritime defence
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has warned China and South Korea that his government intends to strengthen Japan’s defences in its surrounding seas, indicating it will not back down in its territorial disputes with both countries
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=38260&sec=1
29 OCTOBER 2012
The real reason China-Japan are locked in a territory dispute
As China and Japan spar over control of a group of tiny islets in the sea between them, the deeper issue is really the question of which of Asia’s two biggest economies will gain control first of the valuable oil and natural gas located there. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2012/1029/The-real-reason-China-Japan-are-locked-in-a-territory-dispute
24 OCTOBER 2012
From Kuriles with love
The geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region is getting set for a significant makeover, with Russia and Japan embarking on a fresh dialogue at the diplomatic and political level. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is scheduled to visit Russia in December and preparatory working-level consultations were held in Tokyo this past weekend between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and his Japanese counterpart Akitaka Saiki.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/NJ25Dh01.html
23 OCTOBER 2012
South Korean MPs trigger Japan protest with island visit
A group of South Korean lawmakers on Tuesday 23 visited an isolated set of islands at the centre of a territorial dispute with Japan — prompting an immediate protest from Tokyo
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1232999/1/.html
22 OCTOBER 2012
Japan and China: warm trade ties temper political tensions
Japan and China have long used economics to sustain an otherwise difficult relationship. There are a number of reasons to expect that they will continue to do so for many years to come http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/10/22/japan-and-china-warm-trade-ties-temper-political-tensions/#more-29587
17 OCTOBER 2012
Tokyo’s Missing Muscle
Recent rhetoric concerning the East China Sea and the Senkaku Islands, which the Chinese call the Diaoyu Islands, makes it appear that the Japanese government is taking a tougher approach on foreign policy and military affairs. Its decision to purchase the disputed islands in September triggered outrage from China and spawned observations that Japan is veering toward the right
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138194/takashi-yokota-and-kirk-spitzer/tokyos-missing-muscle
16 OCTOBER 2012
Japan, U.S. may conduct joint drill to retake remote island
The Japanese and U.S. governments are considering holding a joint military exercise on an uninhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture in November. The exercise would simulate the coordination of forces to recover an island occupied by an enemy, according to sources close to the Japanese government. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121015001953.htm
13 OCTOBER 2012
Japan, China embark on ‘propaganda war’ / Government changes tactics on Senkaku Islands, begins appeals to international communit
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121012003485.htm
10 OCTOBER 2012
China officials to skip IMF meetings in Japan
China’s central bank governor and finance minister have withdrawn from upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings being held in Japan.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/10/2012101073632603923.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19893398
4 OCTOBER 2012
Diaoyu/Senkaku, risk now of a « disastrous » economic war
Ongoing military provocations on both sides keep the level of tension high. And the big companies of the Chinese economy decide to boycott the summit convened in Tokyo by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Lagarde urges both to return to dialogue: « The world situation is shaky, we cannot afford a confrontation between the two major Asian economies. »
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Diaoyu/Senkaku,-risk-now-of-a-disastrous-economic-war-25996.html
3 OCTOBER 2012
Chinese ships enter disputed waters: Japan
Chinese government ships entered territorial waters off disputed Tokyo-controlled islands for the second straight day Wednesday, Japanese coastguards sai
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20121003-375346.html
27 SEPTEMBER 2012
China accuses Japan of stealing islands
China has taken a bitter territorial dispute with Japan to the UN General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi accusing Tokyo of stealing disputed islands.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/09/20129283645792866.html
