Testing time for Japanese diplomacy: PM Kishida

Tokyo must balance US-Chinese tensions, be alert as N. Korea tests more missiles

- Walter Sim

This year will be one that severely tests Japan’s diplomatic mettle, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a policy speech yesterday, in a nod to the delicate balancing act he faces between the United States and China.

Mr Kishida’s speech at the start of the ordinary Diet session comes ahead of his talks with US President Joe Biden on Friday in a virtual summit where China and North Korea are likely to be high on the agenda.

“Japan’s diplomacy must be based on ‘realism for a new era’,” the Prime Minister said during the 40-minute address, citing the need to emphasise values such as human rights and the rule of law, while proactively addressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare, and protecting Japan’s national interests.

“We will assert what we should assert and urge China to act responsibly,” he said. “But at the same time, we will hold dialogue and cooperate on common issues, and aim to build a constructive and stable relationship.”