Japan-DPRK Relationship Under The Northeast Asia Strategy Of Japan After The Cold War

This paper gives a systematic analysis of the readjustment of Japan's Northeast Asia Strategy after the Cold War. Based on the retrospection of the development and change of the relationship between Japan and DPRK, and the analysis from both the driving factors and the hindering factors, it provides a prospect on the development trends of the relationship between Japan and DPRK. The development of the relationship between Japan and DPRK affects not only the political and economic exchange and cooperation between the two countries, but also the political, economic and security situation in Northeast Asia, Asia, even the whole world. Therefore, the research on the development of the relationship between Japan and DPRK has a great significance for China in dealing with the relationship with the two countries and in maintaining the security, peace and stability of Northeast Asia.After the Second World War, the Cold War between America and Russia ended in the 1980s. The end of the Cold War brings great impact on the world. Japan, taking it as a turning point, has made fundamental adjustments on its national strategy. Although Japan has not mentioned specific Northeast Asia Strategy in its Diplomatic Blue Paper and other official documentaries, its adjustments on Northeast Asia Strategy can be seen from its activities in military security, politics and economy.In order to adapt to the changes in World Political Patterns, Japan, in making its national strategy, takes"national interests"as its premise, sets its basis in Northeast Asia, aiming first to be a political power in its region, then in the world. In military security, Japan actively adjusts its defense strategy, establishes Northeast Asia security mechanism, strengthens Japan-America Ally, establishes autonomous diplomacy, actively fosters economic cooperation in Northeast Asia, and seeks for a leading position.After the Second World War, Japan, with the support of America, strives to resume its economic power. In mid-1950s, Japan witnesses a rapid increase in economy, and in 1987, it becomes the second economic power in the world. In the precondition that Japan has been an ever-increasing economic power, Japan undergoes changes in its foreign strategies in politics, military affairs and economy.After the Cold War, the changes in Japan's strategies for Northeast Asia are mainly shown in the following aspects. Diplomatically, Japan's policy was not a"U.S.-oriented"one but a"U.S-guided Independent"one. Militarily, Japan changed from a"defense-oriented"policy into an"independent defense"one; at the same time, the defense focus was also changed from north to southwest. Economically, Japan continued and furthered its economic exchange and trade communication with Northeast Asian countries, adjusting its economic strategy in diplomacy.The Korean Peninsular, special in geographical location, has been always Japan's great concern. After the Second World War, Japan and DPRK experienced ups and downs because of political, economic and military factors. Since the first round of talk between Japan and DPRK in 1991, the two countries have undergone 13 talks of diplomatic normalization. However, DPRK's retreat from the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty,"Inspection Crisis","Crisis at Huang Sea"and DPRK's test-fire of missiles at the Japanese Sea have resulted in the unsteadiness of the two countries' relationship. In addition, Japan's failure in providing DPRK with economic aid and the collision in historical issues like kidnap issue also disappoint the talk of diplomatic normalization.Today, the two barriers of diplomatic normalization are kidnap issue and nuclear weapon development; the former one concerns Japan's sovereignty and national dignity, and the latter one concerns Japan's national security.With regards to the development of Japan and the DPRK, Japan's strategies for Northeast Asia have made positive effects. First, Japan's intention for a"political power"position enhances the development of Japan-DPRK relationship. Second, the potential of economic cooperation promote the improvement of relationship of the two countries. However, if Japan still gives strategic priority to"Japan-America Ally", the normalization of Japan and the DPRK will be inevitably restricted by the U.S. In addition, that Japan also develops its military power at the excuse of the DPRK's military threat, which results in the discredit between the two countries, is another barrier for the development of the bilateral relationship.In the time when peace and development has been the theme of the world, the tension in the bilateral relationship doesn't follow the trend. The progress in the six-party talk and the improvement of U.S.-DPRK relationship lay a good foundation for the development of the relationship between Japan and DPRK. In the short run, Japan and DPRK will keep in touch because the breaking up of the two sides doesn't accord with Japan's Northeast Asia strategy. In the long run, Japan and DPRK will become reconciled and establish a normal relationship.