National Commentaries

Amid the improving atmosphere in Japan-China relations, the crisis in Hong Kong has left many Japanese asking how their should country respond. In reaction to the proposed amendment to an extradition law, a vast number of Hong Kong citizens are repeatedly demonstrating in defense of Hong Kong’s freedom, which was guaranteed in the formula “one country, two systems.” For the neighboring country Japan, political problems that arise in China and Hong Kong are extremely important. Shortly after Prime Minister Abe Shinzo took office, he declared his intention of pursuing “strategic diplomacy based on the fundamental values ​​of freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law,1” and a “values-based diplomacy.” However, recently Abe has sought to improve relations with China, which has a different outlook on values. The response of Japan to the Hong Kong question is one touchstone to determine which objective does the government truly prioritize: values-based diplomacy or closer Japan-China relations.

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