“Taiwan Issue” in the change of Japan''s Post-Cold War ecurity Alliance
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Wada, Anna
Abstract
The End of the Cold War brings about tremendous changes of the international situation, however, the biggest change in Asia is the rise of China. Facing the China''s rapid economic growth and increasing military threat, the United States, which has large interests in Asia-Pacific region, begins to gradually shift its strategic focus to this region and strengthen cooperation with Japan''s defense relations. Japan-US Security Treaty was first an alliance built by the United States in order to confront the Soviet Union during the Cold War era; but it is necessary to be redefined while the post-Cold War international situation in the Asia-Pacific region has changed. As to geopolitics strategy, Taiwan locates in the central area of the First Island Chain in western Pacific Ocean, and this description points out the importance of Taiwan''s geo-strategic position; So if any country controls or influences Taiwan, it will be able to effectively dominate over the traffic line in this region, and will have a major impact on their national interests. Conversely, if China is able to control this Choke point, its access to the Pacific Ocean, this place will be the crucial point to break the blockade of the First Island Chain. Therefore, the interaction between Japan and Taiwan Strait after the end of the Cold War now is the concerned subject of this study. With the hope of discussion about the changes of Japan''s post-Cold War security system and the attitude of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on topics related to Taiwan, This study provides a future development direction of Taiwan-Japan Relation. The conclusion of the study is as follows: Firstly, the Taiwan issue and the Japan-US Security Alliance are in fact inseparable, and this leads both sides need each other while considering the interests of “ensure the national security and broaden the international living space”. It is apparent that the Japanese government adopts the pragmatic policy of "Do attach importance to China, but do not ignore Taiwan". Although Japan''s diplomatic autonomy is increasing, the pressure from China is still causing Japan''s unfriendly attitude to Taiwan while considering Japan’s national benefit. Therefore, the relation towards Japan must be "normalized", emphasize strategic, economic, and trading geo-political relations, and establish cooperation system with Japan based on equal relationship. Moreover, if Japan in the Taiwan Strait issue can play a more active role to let the balance of power appear, the East Asian peace and security can be more secure.
Subjects
Japan
U.S.-Japan Security Alliance
Taiwan issue
Taiwan-Japan relations
Junichiro Koizumi
Type
thesis
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