Promoting Japan's reconciliation: an Australian foreign policy proposal

This paper argues that the lack of reconciliation between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and South Korea, is an issue of increasing significance in today's changing geostrategic environment. It asserts that Japan's recent decision to adopt collective self defence in specific circumstances is again highlighting the tensions, steeped in historical mistrust and rivalry, which continue to strain the relations among Northeast Asia states.

The paper considers these questions and contends that Australia has a role to play in assisting Japan to further consider and progress the issue of reconciliation with its neighbours. It does not suggest that Australia's involvement can solve the problem but seeks to show that Australia, as a country with strong economic and security-related ties with Japan, could seek to influence and support Japan in addressing an issue that is impacting the regional stability not only of Northeast Asia but the Asia-Pacific region more broadly.

The paper recommends, as an initial step, an Australian foreign policy proposal that promotes reconciliation. It advocates further consideration of the reconciliation process by exploring the prospects for dialogue and engagement through a range of existing mechanisms and institutions, and proposes the implementation of several policy initiatives to foster this work. It concludes that while the goal of reconciliation can only be achieved if Japan agrees to commence the discussion, Australia has the potential—as an interested but neutral 'outsider'—to influence Japan to take the important first steps.

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