Nevertheless, his cabinet has added a fresh dimension to Japan's foreign policy--the combination of values and geopolitics. In his speech at the Japan Institute of International Affairs in November, Foreign Minster Taro Aso put forward the concepts of "value-oriented diplomacy" and "arc of freedom and prosperity," which he defined as a new axis of Japan's diplomacy.

Obviously, Russia, North Korea, China and some countries in the Middle East are regarded as Japan's opponents in this geopolitical arc, and Japan will try to spread the values of "democracy" and "freedom" to these countries. As a matter of fact, the Abe government is taking advantage of these abstract ideological notions to drive Japan's campaign to be a major political power and to solicit support for its bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Diplomatic agenda

Abe has tried to improve Japan's relations with China, South Korea, Europe and "democracies" in the Asia-Pacific region through a series of visits. It is his belief that given Japan's close economic links with China and South Korea, an enhanced mutual trust between Japan and these two neighbors is significant to Asia and the world at large. In the years ahead, Japan will be committed to holding frank dialogues with China and South Korea.

Abe visited the two countries in early October last year, shortly after he took office. As the new prime minister, he was able to break the impasse, bringing about a thaw in Japan's relations with China and South Korea. However, it should be noted that fluctuations are likely unless Abe's cabinet evaluates Japan's past correctly, abandons the Cold War mentality and seeks win-win results.

Japan's relationship with Europe has long been a weak link in its diplomacy. In January, Abe toured Britain, Germany, France and Belgium before he headed to the Philippines to attend the East Asia Summit, moves highlighting Japan's new diplomatic vision of "a Eurasian arc." Abe repeatedly stressed that Japan shares the same values as European countries while meeting European leaders during his trip. The approach turned out to be successful, as some European countries also set great store by values.

The Abe government sees great value in the cooperation with Asia-Pacific "democracies." It is set to enhance its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while promoting the expansion of "democratic countries" and "free societies" in the Asia-Pacific region. It also actively seeks top-level strategic dialogues with Australia and India.

In addition, Japan has intensified efforts to mediate the North Korean nuclear issue and curb China's military development. North Korea is severely isolated in the international community for its confrontational policies toward the West, a situation that was worsened in the wake of its long-range missile tests in July last year and an underground nuclear test in October. Japan took this opportunity to create a positive image with a slew of diplomatic initiatives to impose sanctions against Pyongyang. It should be admitted that this strategy proved successful as it won Japan some recognition in the international community.

Moreover, Japan continues to exert pressure on North Korea for its abduction of Japanese citizens, plunging the country into an even more difficult position. Abe met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November last year. At Abe's request, Putin affirmed that kidnapping is an incomprehensible, barbaric act and Russia would continue to assist Japan in resolving this problem.