Today, under the introduction of President Chihiro Kanakawa of the People’s Republic of China Diplomacy Recommendation Association, I would like to thank all stakeholders for giving me the opportunity to speak here. It goes without saying that diplomacy is extremely important in any era. In today's world, diplomacy can be considered a "watershed in history." For Japan, the importance of diplomacy has reached a higher level.
Speaking of which, as Prime Minister, I don’t have many opportunities to discuss foreign affairs topics with the people. At the same time, I hope to take this opportunity to convey my thoughts and Japan’s thoughts to countries around the world. With this idea in mind, I came here today. Anyway, starting next week, Congress will discuss in detail domestic and foreign issues and policy policy speeches. What I am here today also contains some of my personal thoughts and disclosures on issues such as diplomacy and security.
In the 21st century, the world situation has bid farewell to the dominance of the United States and the Soviet Union, and has become extremely complicated. Everyone should think so too. Especially the recent rapid development of developing countries such as China and India has disrupted the balance of world economic power. For example, the advanced seven countries (G7) once accounted for more than two-thirds of the world's GDP (68), but now it has dropped to 53. The economic strength of the 20 countries now called the G20 is very strong.
Globalization has been said for a long time. In recent years, with the development of IT technology, financial and economic relations have unprecedentedly transcended national borders, forming a huge network of relations. Furthermore, as represented by the WikiLeaks incident, an era has come where all kinds of information can be spread all over the world in an instant, directly affecting the political situation of relevant countries.
Furthermore, terrorist activities that transcend national units, global environmental problems, biodiversity, etc. are becoming increasingly serious. In today's globalized world, while these problems bring opportunities, they also bring huge opacity. Whether it can create opportunities and suppress the threats posed by opacity has gradually become the focus of Japan's diplomacy.
At the beginning of 2011, I proposed five pillars of views on diplomacy and national security issues. 1. Japan-US alliance, Japan-US basic axis. 2. Diplomatic expansion in Asia. 3. Advance economic diplomacy. 4. Pay attention to earth-scale issues. 5. Respond to specific security issues in our country. Next, I will discuss these five pillars in sequence.
The first pillar, the Japan-US axis, needless to say, is the most important relationship between the two countries for our country. The Japan-US alliance is not only of great significance to the United States and our country, but is also considered an important factor of stability and public property in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, in the 65 years after the war, the majority of our country's citizens actively supported the Japan-US alliance. No matter how the regime changes, the policy of maintaining and strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance will not change.
The Japan-US alliance is not only about security, but also needs to be deepened and strengthened in all aspects such as economy, talent, and cultural exchanges. Relationships are the same as alliances. Once a relationship is good, it's easy to assume it will always be good. In fact, maintaining this relationship requires the joint efforts of both parties. Although I have been married for 40 years, if I slack off even a little bit, I will still be treated harshly by my wife. If you think so, the same goes for the Japan-U.S. alliance. For example, even self-defense members or navy soldiers under the age of 20 must have the awareness to shed blood and sacrifice for their missions at any time. My future plan is to visit the United States in the first half of this year in order to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. At that time, we must convey our views on strengthening Japan-US relations to President Obama.
On the basis of strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, it is very important to make continuous efforts on the relocation of Futenma Airport in Okinawa.
I once again apologize for the huge confusion and emotional harm the Futenma issue has caused to the people of Okinawa Prefecture. I visited Okinawa last month, and I reconsidered the pain that the Okinawa people feel. Okinawa has 74 US military bases in Japan, and many prefectural residents bear a huge burden.
Especially since Okinawa returned to Japan, the U.S. military bases in Japan have been continuously reduced, but the bases in Okinawa have not been reduced much, and they finally became what they are now. In this matter, as a political decision-maker, I feel very guilty and sorry for the people of Okinawa.
On the other hand, Asia's security is now facing a huge threat from North Korea's nuclear development. For Japan's security, I still think it is very necessary to strengthen the Japan-US security treaty and keep US military bases in Japan.
Of course, the threat from Futenma Airport established in a densely populated area is huge, and it should be eliminated as soon as possible if possible. In addition, the transfer of 8,000 Marines stationed in Okinawa and 9,000 of their family members to Aman and the area south of Kadena is also a way to reduce the burden on the Okinawa base, and it must be achieved no matter what.
The existence of the US military base in Okinawa supports the overall security of Japan. This is undoubtedly a fact. Okinawa's burden needs to be shared and worked hard by people across the country. Today we also discussed with the US military the possibility of transferring part of Kadena's training to Amara. In addition, regarding the burden on US military bases, we hope to gain understanding and support from people across the country outside of Okinawa.
The second pillar is Asian diplomacy.
Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are not only at different stages of economic development, but also have diverse nationalities, races, values, etc. But now is the most active period in history for the Asia-Pacific region on a global scale. Regional diversity does not create opposition, but is a kind of vitality that will bring long-term development and prosperity to the entire Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, we should actively promote mutually beneficial and mutually beneficial relations between China, South Korea, Russia, Asian countries, Australia, India, and the United States, among other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
We will strengthen relations between countries through APEC, East Asia Summit, Asian regional meetings and other means. These efforts will not only benefit our country, but also bring win-win results to all countries in the Asia-Pacific. Next, let me elaborate on the relationship between various countries.
The first is the China issue. This year China has made important contributions to the world and the region. On the other hand, there are many regrettable aspects regarding the transparency of the defense forces and the intensification of activities in territorial waters. What happened last year was very regrettable.
However, in the history of the two countries, China and Japan have been neighbors separated by a narrow strip of water for 2000 years since the beginning of Japan's history. Although there was an unfortunate period, the two countries have been conducting exchanges in politics, economy, culture and other aspects throughout their long history. This year in particular marks the 100th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911, which marked the beginning of China's modernization. Mr. Sun Yat-sen, who initiated this revolution, is known as the Father of the Nation by the Chinese. He has deep connections with Japan. There is a Japanese named Umeya Shokichi who, as Sun's relative and friend, has been helping Sun for a long time. This is recognized not only in our country, but even in China.
In this way, the citizens of the two countries should strengthen exchanges with each other not only in the field of political and security, but also in the fields of economy, culture and other fields. As world powers, the two countries should jointly share international responsibilities and deepen strategic mutually beneficial relations. Therefore, not only the leaders of the two countries, but also party-party exchanges and people-to-people exchanges are of far-reaching significance.
The following describes Japan-South Korea relations.
There are many flights between Japan and South Korea, making it easy to travel back and forth on the same day. From the traditional similarities in culture and language to the mutual exchange of fashion and animation in recent years, the closeness between the people is increasing day by day, and it is truly a relationship between neighboring countries.
Last year happened to be the 100th year of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. During its past colonial rule, Japan invaded the country and culture of the Korean people, causing significant emotional harm to the Korean people. In my Prime Minister's speech last summer, I also made a new deep reflection and heartfelt apology to the Korean people for the suffering and damage caused to the Korean people. I hope to use this as a basis to join hands with South Korea in external affairs. Launch new cooperation in all aspects. The security issues on the Korean Peninsula surrounding the sinking of the Cheonan in March last year and the promotion of trade between Japan and South Korea are all issues that require Japan and South Korea to work together and play their roles at the regional and national levels.
Since I took office in June last year, I have had three summit meetings, three telephone talks and many more private talks with President Lee Myung-bak. We hope that on the basis of establishing a deep relationship of mutual trust, we can carry out in-depth cooperation in various fields in order to build a real new era between Japan and South Korea in the near future.
On the other hand, regarding the issue of North Korea, since November last year, from the shelling incident on the Yeonpyeong Peninsula in South Korea to the disclosure of nuclear enrichment directly related to the development of nuclear weapons, everything has affected the interests of North East Asia and the world. There are significant threats to peace and stability. On nuclear, missile and other related issues, Japan will strengthen cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea. In order to prevent similar provocations from North Korea, Japan adheres to the *** agreement issued during the 2005 six-party talks, namely Strongly demand that North Korea immediately terminate all nuclear weapons and nuclear development programs. Furthermore, in order to resolve issues including abductions, nuclear weapons, missiles, etc., on the basis of the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, resolve past hatred and restore normal diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea at an early date. The issue of Japanese abductions is related to Japan's sovereignty. A few days ago, the victims' families directly asked me about the handling of this incident. We will do our best to solve the problem as soon as possible so that the abductees can return to their country as soon as possible.
Next is Japan-Russia relations. Japan will continue negotiations based on the general policy of resolving the issue of the four northern islands that are our inherent territory and concluding a peace treaty. The territorial issue should be a problem that can be solved by pooling all the wisdom and intelligence from all over Japan. Japan will sign agreements with President Medvedev on resolving territorial issues and economic cooperation. Through the signing of these agreements, Russia will understand that resolving territorial issues itself will bring long-term benefits to Russia, and then further expand cooperative relations between Japan and Russia.
Japan is a country surrounded by sea and has always enjoyed the benefits of the Pacific Ocean. This sea area can be said to be the source of prosperity in the entire Asia-Pacific region. The disputes that have arisen in recent years over this rich resource should not be happening. On the one hand, Japan must uprightly assert its rights and interests, and on the other hand, it must formulate rules that can prevent this sea area from getting into unnecessary disputes. Japan will play a leading role in this regard.
It’s too long. I’m at work. I’ll do it for you when I get home.