Japan’s Politics and Diplomacy after DPJ Took Power

Great changes occurred to the Japanese power structure as DPJ had taken power. The new government in Japan is now headed by DPJ and its alliance–Social Democratic Party and People's New Party, substituting for LDP-Komeito coalition government, an alternation of two conservative parties, though not in a strict sense of the two-party alternation. The election intensified the conservative politics in general, though different from the hawk conservative force in the post-cold war period. The Japanese political currents see a trend of 'de-rightwardization'. This will help to improve Japan’s relations with its Asian neighbors. Yukio Hatoyama calls for building 'fraternity society' and fostering 'fraternity' spirit in diplomatic affairs. He is for the view of attaching equal importance to U.S. and Asia.

Advancing Public Diplomacy during Cold Sino-Japan Relations A Case Study of the Confucius Institute at Ritsumeikan

Tense political relations are seen as a barrier to China's public diplomacy with Japan.Despite various setbacks,Confucius Institutes,a classic example of public diplomacy,have continued to stay open in Japan.This paper uses the Confucius Institute at Ritsumeikan(CIR) as a case study to explore how public diplomacy can be carried out when political relations between China and Japan are cold.It concludes that cold political relations do not necessarily mean public diplomacy will fail.Good cooperation with Japanese partners can bring positive results.Also,choosing the right partner is important;government "interference" should be avoided.Finally,China should deal with each Confucius Institute differently,and Japanese universities' enthusiasm should be stimulated through encouragement and retreat mechanisms.

Measures and Strategic Conception of Japan to Deal with the Russia–Ukraine Crisis

After the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Japan wasted no time in advancing its national strategy and actively promoted shuttle diplomacy with the United States(U.S.), Europe, East Asia, and neighboring countries of Ukraine around sanctions against Russia based on strategic considerations and the goal of maximizing national interests. Japan regarded this conflict as an important opportunity for an international strategic game, in an attempt to move and overturn the postwar international order and reconstruct the new global order with the U.S., Europe, and Japan as the core countries dominating the military, science and technology, and economic spheres. In response to the crisis, Japan made a brief policy adjustment—from the initial hesitation to the imposition of active sanctions and pressure on Russia—to reverse the passive situation on the issue of the Four Northern Islands and weaken Russia’s strength. Japan also took the opportunity to promote the “China threat theory”;strengthen the quadrilateral mechanism between the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia;provoke regional confrontation;and try to gain a new Cold War dividend.

Forge Ahead with Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Features

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China's diplomacy has progressed toward major achievements in ideological concepts, strategic operations and practical innovation. In its role as responsible major power, China achieved fruitful results in building generally stable major-country relationships for balanced development. It remains actively involved in hotspot issues in its surrounding area, with Korea, India and the South China Sea especially, to defuse tension. Amid a diminished willingness of many countries to participate in serious global problems, and with difficulties facing multilateral regimes, China was proactive, holding multilateral summits and hosting diplomacy platforms to cope with worldwide challenges and to gather international consensus on safeguarding world peace and seeking common development. The 19th Party Congress gained unprecedented international attention. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has taken on a new look, and China's diplomacy will continue progressing toward a favorable external environment for the country's development.

Reflections on the Return of the China-Japan Relationship to the Normal Track

The China-Japan relationship has swung between deterioration and improvement in the 21st century while Japanese leaders'cognition and Japanese public opinion remain operative at a deep level.The return of the bilateral relationship in 2018 to the normal development track was aided by Japan's shift toward coordination,China's re-shaped policy,and a boost by the Trump administration.Though the China-Japan relationship will continue improving in the short run,it is unlikely“deterioratiomimprovcment”cycles will end since too many glaring structural contradictions exist.While memories of their intense history and today's territorial issues linger,the fluctuation of Japan*s diplomatic options and weak Japanese public opinion for improved relations with China will continue the same cyclical,but not forward,momentum.

Chinese science diplomacy in Arctic climate governance based on a survey and interviews with Chinese scientists

Science diplomacy is attracting increasing attention in the international relations literature.This study investigates how Chinese scientists understand this term and explores China’s dynamic praxis in Arctic climate governance.It conducts a theoretical and practical examination of science diplomacy in terms of three dimensions—science in diplomacy,diplomacy for science,and science for diplomacy—thus achieving a high degree of consistency.A multi-method approach,combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and involving the adoption of a literature review,participant interviews,and questionnaires,is adopted.Data were collected from interviews with 16 Chinese scientists involved in Arctic climate governance and from 130 valid questionnaires collected from Chinese natural scientists working in the climate change field.Drawing on qualitative and quantitative findings,the study reveals that the three-dimensional framework of science diplomacy can provide insight into Chinese scientists’understandings of the topic.In contrast to the participants’vague theoretical responses,the outlines of China’s Arctic climate governance can be clearly identified within this framework.The study concludes by underlining the tension between theory and practice in terms of science diplomacy and highlighting the emerging challenges for China in developing its Arctic science diplomacy against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict.Moreover,it is suggested that,to further develop China’s Arctic science diplomacy,it is vital to take account of the deficiencies in China’s science diplomacy.The study’s empirical results contribute to an understanding of the dynamic nature of science diplomacy in the Chinese context.

Japan's Military Transformation and Sino-Japanese Military Relations

Military reform, which is led by the U. S. and sweeping its way to the rest of the world, has now become one of the hottest topics in inter- national military arena. Japan makes no exception. The reconstruction of its military forces, which is still in progress, is concentrated on the following two aspects. One is the enlargement of the functions of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Participation in overseas operations is in-

Reform of Japan’s Land Planning and Implications to China

This paper first briefly summarized the current state of exploration and construction of China’s land space planning.Then,it analyzed Japan’s land planning reform,studied its spatial planning process and explored relevant reform paths to obtain relevant experience.Through analyzing and summarizing the experience in the exploration of Japan’s land space planning in combination with China’s specific national conditions,it is intended to draw implications for China’s land space planning in the new era,in order to provide references for the future operation of related actual projects of land planning and exploration of related strategic theories.

Chinese Major Country Diplomacy

China’s diplomacy faced many challenges in 2019.In response to strategic competition with the US and the complex and volatile surrounding environment,China took the initiative to shape and guide international developments.Despite the unilateralism and protectionism of some Western powers,China adhered to multilateralism and promoted global governance through diplomatic events and multilateral diplomacy.China has actively engaged in diplomatic struggles and resolutely safeguarded the unity of sovereignty to deal with outside interference.The 70th anniversary of National Day,an unprecedented occasion,demonstrated the resolve and sincerity of maintaining peace,development and win-win cooperation.For 70 years,China has made significant diplomatic achievements and gained valuable experience.In the future,China will build on past achievements and make persistent efforts.

Viewing Japan's Trend from "Koizumi Politics"

The words like "Hashimoto Politics" and "Obuchi Politics" are seldom heard since the 1990s. But changes in political and economic areas demonstrate that the existence of "Koizumi Politics" and its impact can be felt indeed in the past couple of years. It is hard to tell whether Koizumi could successfully promote economic reform and pep up the long-depressed economy. However, Koizumi has launched a

Russia's New Energy Diplomacy and Its Impact

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11,the world energy mar-kets have witnessed remarkable changes in Russia’s re-emergenceas a major world energy power and its active development of energydiplomacy.As the signing of agreements at the Russia-America summitand Russia-Europe summit last May as well as at the regular

Japan's State Strategy vs. Anti-Terrorism

The September 11 event upset Japan’s diplomatic agenda and ushered in a strategic restructuring with the focus on anti-terrorism and the top priority given to ties with Washington. Its new diplomacy against terror stresses three aspects: policy towards Washington for ensuring strategic center

Japanese Stock Price Determination： What Is Important？

This paper analyzes empirically the relationship between recent Japanese stock prices and macroeconomic variables For the Japanese stock prices, the level and rate of that are both used for analysis. The results show that exchange rates have not been a significant determinant of the ＂level＂ of Japanese stock prices, but on the other hand, have been a significant determinant of its ＂rate＂. The ＂rate＂ has been used to analyze determinants of the stock prices. However, it is dangerous to use it without taking into account its level. Many stock traders usually look at the level. Interest rates, especially the domestic interest rate, have not impacted the Japanese stock prices. Japanese interest rates have been quite low as the Bank of Japan has implemented quantitative easing instead of interest-based policies. Recently, the U.S. stock prices, particularly in the first few days after a change, have been significantly influencing the Japanese stock prices.

Agricultural policy reforms and WTO commitments on domestic support in Japan

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of Japan＇s agricultural domestic policy since 1995 in the context of the current international negotiations in the WTO Doha Round, which has as one aim further reductions of trade-distorting support among member countries. Apparently, Japan＇s attitude towards agricultural domestic policy reform is one of compliance with the WTO, which requests member countries to reduce their Aggregate Measure of Support （AMS） through trimming trade-distorting （amber box） support and/or transforming traditional-type agricultural subsidies to decoupled-type ones. Japan reduced its amber box support by nearly 80 percent between 1995 and 2000. This drastic reduction is mainly attributable to Japan＇s removal of rice from the amber box in 1998. In addition, following the WTO＇s principle of decoupling, Japan launched an extensive agricultural subsidy reform in 2007. This paper, however, shows the ironical realities of Japanese agricultural policy. Neither a sharp reduction of amber box support nor Japan＇s 2007 reform necessarily means there will be a reduction of trade-distorting effects. On the contrary, the 2007 reform may in fact stimulate domestic rice production.

Winter Olympics Diplomacy,South Korea-DPRK Contacts and US-DPRK Summit:Historic Changes for Korean Peninsula?

The ⅩⅩⅢ Olympic Winter Games in South Korea lit a flame for the dramatic development of inter-Korean relations. Rapid changes in the geopolitical situation on the peninsula since the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang have included high-level DPRK talks with South Korea, China and the United States. President Xi Jinping＇ s meetings with DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing and Dalian, and the upcoming Trump-Kim summit on June 12 are all about timing. A new diplomacy on DPRK＇ s part has unfolded out of the extemal pressure the DPRK experienced from the US, China and the international community but also out of the difficulties the DPRK faces in advancing its nuclear options. Unless the DPRK makes substantial concessions, the US will not alter policy. Real success means historic change, not only a reunion of families and an official end to the Korean War, but also a potential shift in the Asian power structure. There are diverse possibilities and much at stake. The fundamental way forward is restarting Six Party Talks and regional mechanism.

The Uniqueness and Effects of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Diplomacy in China's Public Diplomacy

As the further development of globalization,the conception and category are deepening and expanding,and at the same time the forms of diplomacy are more diversified as international subject 's diversification.China's diplomacy is more than just a governmental behavior,because Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Diplomacy is more and more playing an important role in China 's public diplomacy.Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is leading and supplying the civil diplomacy development by its own uniqueness and becoming a powerful force in China's diplomatic field.

China’s Neighborhood Diplomacy in 2018

THE year 2018 was a good year for China’s neighborhood diplomacy,with a succession of breakthroughs being made.Most notable of these was China’s improved relations with two of its major neighbors,India and Japan.The China-India relationship warmed up in the year after the Doklam stand-off in June 2017.The China-Japan relationship has also gradually thawed after the disputes around the Diaoyu Islands in 2012.In addition,Kim Jong Un,chairman of the Workers’Party of Korea(WPK)and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK),visited China three times during the year,attaching great importance to China-DPRK relations.Kim Jong Un’s meeting with the U.S.President Donald Trump in Singapore also eased tensions in the Korean Peninsula,shifting the focus of Northeast Asia towards economic cooperation.

“COST OF GROWTH”:REGIONAL PUBLIC GOODS AND CHINA'S NEIGHBORHOOD DIPLOMACY

China is a growing power.It is an important integral part for realizing the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream to be upgraded from a regional power to a world power. To this end,the neighborhood is of primary importance and the neighborhood diplomacy consists of an impor-