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The purpose of the cookie is to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website. Others Others. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Powered by. At the same time, however, the indigenous culture was not abandoned; instead, it managed to coexist with the imported one.
This kind of historical process can be found in various parts of the region. There are other similarities that can be seen in the region. In the lands between India and the island of Bali, Indonesia, the ancient epic "Ramayana" permeates the daily lives of the people.
Languages spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines belong to the same language family; these are all linked with those spoken in the Pacific, thus the term Malayo-Polynesian language. Indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand have deep linguistic ties with this language family. An indigenous culture is the crystallization of the storehouse of wisdom accumulated through life at harmony with nature in the area in question from ancient times. All areas of the Asia-Pacific region have succeeded in nourishing cultures that fuse the indigenous ones with newer ones.
This fusion is thought to be a major reason that the region's rich natural environment still remains relatively intact. Rice culture is a common ecological feature of the region, particularly in continental Asia, Japan and Indonesia. The system of swidden agriculture can be observed in the way of life of the people. In some areas, though, the centuries-old practice of slash-and-burn methods in order to make way to rice, gives rise to land- related problems that need to be addressed in a sustainable way.
Another attribute of Asia-Pacific culture is strong ties with the sea. The ancient civilizations that arose in China, India and Pakistan made their way into the countries on their fringes mainly over the ocean. The term rose to favor during the s and is used most often in a political or commerce-related context.
As a rule, most countries located throughout eastern and southern Asia—particularly those that touch the Pacific Ocean—and Oceania are usually considered APAC countries. That said, because there is no official definition of the Asia Pacific region and its boundaries, the list of APAC countries can vary depending upon the context.
The smallest APAC country not including dependent territories such as Tokelau , which is considered part of New Zealand is Nauru , with an area of barely 21 km 2 8 mi 2. The APAC region is also home to some of the world's most populous countries. Moreover, the simultaneous participation of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong that had been a pending issue since the launch of APEC was basically agreed upon in a senior-official meeting in August Based on the basic philosophy of cooperation that is open to the world, it is important to further promote the activities of APEC so that the potential of this region will be fully realized.
Japan intends to contribute positively to such endeavors. Interest in political and security problems in the Asia-Pacific region is mounting against the background of the progress in the reduction of tensions, especially in Europe. Amid such an evolution, the need for political dialogue is increasingly being recognized by the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.
Already, moves toward various dialogues in both the official and private levels have become notable. It was an epochal meeting in which the Foreign Ministers of important countries situated in the Asia-Pacific region met in the same room to discuss the current problems by overcoming the differences in systems. As Japan's political role expands in the Asia-Pacific region, apprehension and concern are emerging in some circles of this region that Japan's expanded role might also permeate into the military field.
Under this circumstance, it is important for both Japan and the region that the real objective of Japan's foreign policy is candidly explained. With such awareness, Foreign Minister Nakayama proposed at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference of July the launching of a political dialogue to enhance the sense of reassurance among the friendly countries, utilizing the Conference. The proposal won the support of the participating countries, and a specific modus operandi is being studied in ASEAN.
In South Asia, there are also emerging signs that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC established in is successfully promoting cooperation based on the fundamental changes taking place in the international order in recent years. Such fora for regional cooperation and dialogues are expected to contribute to the enhanced peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region synergetically with bilateral efforts and dialogues that have been traditionally dominant in this region.
Japan maintains the policy to continue its positive efforts as a member of the region. Political and military confrontations continue over the demilitarized zone on the Korean Peninsula.
On the other hand, since the latter half of , the global current of the East-West reconciliation is steadily permeating this region as symbolized by the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea ROK and the Soviet Union, the mutual establishment of trade offices between the ROK and China, the realization of the South-North Prime Ministerial meeting for the first time since the division of the Koran Peninsula and the moves toward the simultaneous admission of the two Koreas to the United Nations.
Structural changes are emerging in the East-West confrontation that lies in the background of the division of the Korean Peninsula. Amid such an evolution, the visit to North Korea of representatives of both the Japan Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Socialist Party in September solved the long-standing issue of releasing the Japanese crew members of the seized ship, No.
Negotiations to normalize diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea have begun. While maintaining and strengthening its friendly and cooperative relations with the ROK as its basic stance, Japan is faithfully negotiating with North Korea on the normalization of relations.
At the end of December , President Roh Tae Woo made a major Cabinet reshuffle, including the appointment of the Prime Minister and the Chief Presidential Secretary, to prepare for the second half of his Presidential term.
But the domestic situation has not been calm. Early in the year, the scandal of three Assemblymen from the governing and opposition parties having traveled abroad with financial assistance from private groups and another scandal involving the sale of residential land in the suburb of Seoul have been revealed. In the latter scandal, five Assemblymen from the governing and opposition parties as well as the President's secretary were arrested on suspicion of bribery.
Another incident occurred at the end of April when a student demonstrator was struck by police and died. Following this incident, large anti-government demonstrations continued for nearly one month. A number of protesters committed suicide by setting themselves on fire. The situation was brought under control with the resignation of the Prime Minister and four Cabinet members at the end of May.
Local assembly elections, the first in 30 years and a fulfillment of one of the democratization pledges made by President Roh, were held in March for local cities, counties and townships and in June for large cities and prefectures. In the June election, which allowed the official candidacy of political parties, the ruling Democratic Liberal Party achieved an overwhelming victory by winning 65 percent of seats. This reflected the public wish for political stability in the aftermath of the political instability caused by the anti-government demonstrations of May.
But exports have stagnated since against the background of rising wages. At the same time, amid the country's sluggish export performance, imports of machinery have increased due to brisk domestic demand. The "Nordpolitik" of President Roh, which aims to improve relations with the socialist countries, has achieved solid results along with the reform movements made in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
Thus, in less than a year, three ROK-Soviet summits took place. With respect to the relations with China, an agreement was reached between the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation and the China International Corporation in October to mutually establish trade offices that are equipped with limited consulate functions, such as the authority to issue visas. In , offices were opened in Seoul and Beijing, demonstrating the improved relations between the two countries.
The Prime Ministers met again in Pyongyang and Seoul in October and December to discuss the implementation of diverse exchanges and cooperation as well as the question of eliminating the existing military and political confrontations. While no concrete results were obtained in these meetings due to differences in the fundamental position of the North and South, the very fact that the meetings were held was significant. In February , North Korea unilaterally canceled the fourth meeting in Pyongyang to protest joint U.
Subsequently, the fourth meeting was rescheduled to be held at the end of August by a North Korean proposal made in July. However, on August 20, immediately after the political change in the Soviet Union, North Korea proposed to change the venue of the meeting to Panmunjom on the grounds of a cholera epidemic in the ROK.
As a result of discussions between the two governments, it was decided to postpone the fourth meeting to October In the field of sports, some exchanges took place. Regarding the U. On the other hand, North Korea vehemently opposed separate seats for the two Koreas in the United Nations on the ground that it would mean international recognition of the "two Koreas" and would lead to the permanent division of the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea insisted that, if membership was to be sought, the two Koreas should join the United Nations in a single seat. However, many countries, including Japan and the United States, expressed their stance that while the simultaneous admission of North and South was desirable, if North Korea continued to refuse the idea, they would support the independent admission of the ROK.
As a result, North Korea changed its policy to override this difficulty and announced its plan in July as an interim measure to join the United Nations separately from the ROK. Factors in the background for the change in the North Korean attitude should be its reading that China would not use its veto power, if the ROK applied for admission independently, as well as the effective persuasion by the countries concerned, including Japan. Responding to U. Consequently, the U. Japan had taken the position that the simultaneous membership of North and South Koreas in the United Nations, as an interim measure until the unification of the Korean Peninsula, should have been desirable, also from the standpoint of enhancing the universality of the United Nations.
In the negotiations for normalization of relations with North Korea, Japan has tried to persuade its counterpart of the desirability of simultaneous membership of both Koreas. Japan welcomes the realization of the simultaneous admission of both Koreas to the United Nations. This will change the framework of the past relations between the two Koreas, leading to the expectation of further reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The meeting put an end to the unfortunate phase of history between Japan and the ROK and attained significant results in constructing a new Japan-Korea era where both countries should cooperate toward the 21st century from a global perspective. During Prime Minister Kaifu's visit to the ROK, the longstanding issue of the third generation Koreans in Japan was settled satisfactorily, and plans were made for dramatic reforms in several areas, such as abolishing the fingerprint requirement for Korean residents in Japan within two years.
Moreover, an agreement was reached on the three principles of the new Japan-Korea era that show the direction of a future-oriented and cooperative bilateral relationship. The principles are: 1 promoting exchanges, cooperation and mutual understanding toward the strengthening of the partnership between Japan and Korea, 2 making contributions toward peace, reconciliation, prosperity and liberation in the Asia-Pacific region and 3 pursuing cooperation to settle various global problems.
Standing on these principles, both Japan and the ROK are endeavoring to construct a new future-oriented relationship as they move toward the 21st century.
Specifically, the Japan-Korea 21st Century Exchange Program on Sincerity and Trust is being promoted as an educational project to deepen the understanding by the Japanese public of the ROK by various measures, such as further enhancing youth exchanges that have already been made.
And in June, the first meeting between the Asian Bureau Directors-General of the two countries was held to consider future-oriented Japan-Korea relations. At the same time, efforts are being made to solve several pending bilateral issues. The ROK is seeking the transfer of sophisticated industrial technology from Japan to strengthen its export competitiveness.
In this Committee, Japan told the ROK that the transfer of technology is basically an issue to be dealt with by the private sector, but that the government will cooperate to the extent possible. As for fishery problems, the illegal operation of Korean ships in waters close to Japan still continues, and the present voluntary restriction measure will expire at the end of In order to consult on future Japan-Korea fishery relations, working-level consultations were held three times between April and July Although candid discussions were held on the preservation of resources and on establishing an orderly fishing practice between the two countries, the gap between the two on the present status of illegal fishing remains large, and consultations are expected to proceed but with great difficulties.
As for the territorial dispute over Takeshima Island between Japan and the ROK, it is clear on both historical and legal grounds that the island is Japanese territory. Standing firm on this point, Japan protests the ROK whenever necessary.
Secretary Kim Jung Il's papers and his discussions with party leaders have been published, and moves indicating the leading role of Secretary Kim Jung Il over the military have been seen. In domestic politics, thus, the strengthening of the leadership of Secretary Kim Jung Il has been stressed. Moreover, the regime warned that the capitalist nations were taking a "peaceful transition strategy" aiming at the collapsing socialist countries from within, and has tightened the grip over the public through the publication of the statement under Secretary Kim Jung Il's name, entitled, "Our socialism centered on the masses shall not perish.
He stressed the urgency to achieve unification with the qualification that it must be attained on the principle that neither of the Koreas absorbs the other. This could be considered as a sign of caution arising from the German unification, which had been attained by West Germany absorbing East Germany. There was no indication of an economic recovery.
No particular economic achievement was announced in the New Year's message. The fiscal budget, approved by the Supreme People's Assembly of April , grew by 4. North Korea cannot be regarded as having overcome its economic difficulties. North Korea maintains an alliance with the Soviet Union and China and has also kept close relations with the Central and Eastern European countries.
Amid the evolving situation of the reforms made by the Soviet Union and the Central and Eastern European countries as well as the successful "Nordpolitik" of the ROK, North Korea is being forced to adopt a more realistic foreign policy.
In North Korea's relations with the Soviet Union, a few incidents took place that indicated North Korea's displeasure. These include North Korea criticizing the establishment of ROK-Soviet diplomatic relations as a "breach of faith, transacting diplomatic relations with the dollar," and not inviting a Soviet delegation to the 45th anniversary of the Korean Labor Party, to which a Chinese delegation was invited.
However, both countries appear to be trying to maintain their bilateral relationship. In comparison with the Soviet Union, North Korea maintains relatively close relations with China, frequently confirming with China the intention to maintain the socialist system. Changes are also beginning to be seen in this bilateral relationship. President Kim Il Sung confirmed in his New Year's message that Asia is in a new development stage, stressing the importance of developing cooperative relations with other Asian countries.
Thereafter, diplomatic activity with Asian countries, including Japan, has been strengthened. As for U. North Korea completed the required procedures to join the United Nations in July, and was consequently admitted to the United Nations in September. North Korea, although a party to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons since , has not fulfilled an obligation under the Treaty of entering into a safeguards agreement with the IAEA, which has been arousing international suspicion about North Korea developing nuclear weapons.
The normalization of diplomatic relations with North Korea is one of the two postwar problems for Japan that still remain unsettled, North Korea being the only neighboring country with which Japan has no diplomatic relations.
Japan-North Korean relations have begun to move toward improvement and normalization since In September , as a result of the visit made by a delegation consisting of members of the Japan Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Socialist Party, the long-standing problem between the two countries involving the two detained crew members of the No. Japan responded to this proposal. Since November , preliminary meetings to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries have been held three times in Beijing.
The two countries agreed in these preliminary meetings on a four-point agenda: 1 the basic problem, 2 economic problems, 3 international problems and 4 other problems in which the two countries have a mutual interest. The negotiations began at the end of January There are two aspects involved in normalizing diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea.
One is the bilateral aspect of settling the postwar issues. The other is the international aspect that the normalization between the two countries should contribute to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. Bearing these two aspects in mind, Japan is negotiating faithfully with North Korea on the normalization of relations. In the negotiations concluded so far, the two countries have taken opposing stances, particularly on the economic problems and international problems.
North Korea considers that Japan and North Korea were at war and demands war reparations. It also argues that Japan has continued to damage North Korea in the postwar period and demands compensation for the 45 years of postwar as well.
On the other hand, Japan maintains that the problem under the 36 years of the Japanese rule should be settled as an issue of property rights and claims. Japan argues that the irregular postwar Japan-North Korea relations were attributable to the cold-war structure against the background of the East-West confrontation, and to the situation on the Korean Peninsula and to North Korean policies, none of which Japan is responsible for.
Moreover, on the international problem, Japan presses North Korea for the prompt conclusion and implementation of the safeguards agreement with IAEA, which is an obligation under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The Japanese side argues that the refusal of North Korea to conclude the safeguards agreement with IAEA creates the suspicion that it is developing nuclear weapons. To this argument, North Korea stresses that the issue of the safeguards agreement is a problem between North Korea and the United States and that the United States should give North Korea a legally binding guarantee not to use nuclear weapons against North Korea.
It also argues that U. North Korea repeated these political arguments, which are not directly related to the conclusion of the safeguards agreement with the IAEA, and was refusing to sign the agreement. Although North Korea made clear in June its intention to take a certain procedure toward the conclusion of the agreement, it continues to raise these political conditions. Since it is unclear whether North Korea has an intention to unconditionally conclude and implement the agreement, it will be necessary to continue carefully watching the moves taken by North Korea and to demand the conclusion and implementation of the safeguards agreement.
Japanese police believes that Lee Un-he, whom Kim Yong-he, the criminal of the Korean Air Line bombing incident, claimed to have taught her Japanese, is very possibly a missing Japanese woman. Based on this judgment, Japan asked about the whereabouts of this Japanese woman in the third meeting of the normalization negotiations. North Korea vehemently protested the request and the meeting ended with no agreement on a date for the fourth meeting.
Thereafter, a decision was made between the two countries that negotiations should continue and the fourth meeting was held at the end of August. Given the recent domestic situation in the Soviet Union and the Central and Eastern European countries, the Chinese leadership is resolutely tackling its economic reforms with a growing sense of crisis that without improving its economic reality, the socialistic regime of China cannot survive. Since the June 4th incident in the Tiananmen Square incident , the Government of China has been intent on tightening its political grip on the public through strengthening the party leadership or reinforcing ideological education among them.
This is based on the fundamental awareness of the Chinese leadership that domestic political stability and unity are indispensable if they are to achieve their economic reforms. Strongly aware that the support of the public is indispensable to maintain the socialist regime, the Chinese leadership has actively taken such measures as strengthening the relationship between the party and the public, preventing bribery and corruption that are of great interest to the public, improving public security and upgrading public welfare.
On the other hand, it continues to be very cautious of anti-governmental moves still existing among the people. On such occasions as the 11th Asian Games held from September to October in Beijing or the second anniversary of the June 4th incident in , very strict security measures were imposed.
In the economic sphere, steps were taken to powerfully propel the economic reforms, including the reconfirmation in the 7th plenary session of the 13th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held in December and the fourth session of the 7th National People's Congress from March to April that the reform and liberalization policies implemented since will be maintained.
Specifically, an economic adjustment policy was implemented to overcome the serious inflation which has been seen since Following the further tightening policy exerted since the latter half of , certain results were seen in controlling inflation and rectifying the gap between aggregate demand and supply. For instance, the retail price inflation rate, which had been On the other hand, as can be seen from the industrial production growth rate which dropped from 8.
The stringent policy was somewhat relaxed in early to overcome this sluggish situation. GNP grew by 5. Against such a background, the 7th plenary session at the end of determined the basic guidelines for a long-term economic program targeted at doubling GNP by the year Based on this decision, the National People's Congress of April adopted the 8th National Economic and Social Development Five-year Plan and the year Plan Outline in which priority was given to upgrading economic efficiency and improving the industrial structure.
However, it is feared that the massive floods covering the Huazhong and Huanan regions that occurred in late May may have an adverse impact on China's economic growth.
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