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Documents

A New Path for Japan By Yukio Hatoyama
(New York Times, Aug. 27, 2009) Yukio Hatoyama heads the Democratic Party of Japan, and would become prime minister should the party win in Sunday’s elections.

Government and Policy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs very useful site

Foreign Policy Page Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

House of Councilors (National Diet of Japan, Sangi-in)

House of Representatives (National Diet of Japan, Shugi-in)

The Constitution of Japan English translated version

Japan-China Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

Overview - Japan-ASEAN Relations

Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Japan's position on issues, Japan's Policy and Press Releases

Information and Research

NIRA (National Institute for Research Advancement, Japan)

Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)

Japanese Journal Information Web

The National Security-Archive U.S.-Japan Project Papers on diplomatic, security, and economic relations between the U.S. and Japan

Japan Center for International Exchange (A nonprofit and non-governmental institution, Japan)

Japan Policy Research Institute (JPRI) U.S.-Japan relationship and its implications for the Pacific Rim

Japan Economic Institute of America (JEI) information on Japanese economy, politics, foreign policy and U.S.-Japan relations

Kyodo News Web

Japan Times

Japan Stands Firm on Islet Naming Plan
(Taipei Times, Feb. 1, 2012) Japan has taken a firm stance regarding its naming of several islets belong to the Diaoyutai Islands, despite repeated protests lodged by Taipei in recent months, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Officials Protest Japan’s Naming of Islands
(China Post, Jan. 18, 2012) The government has lodged a strong protest with Japan over its recent attempt to name several uninhabited islands in disputed seas claimed by the Taiwan government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Japan to Name Uninhabited Islets in Disputed Area
(Taipei Times, Jan. 17, 2012) Japan has decided to name several uninhabited islands in a group also claimed by Taiwan and China, a move likely to anger its neighbors.

Noda Reaches Out to China on N. Korea
(AP, Dec. 26, 2011) Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reached out for China's help on dealing with North Korea and promoting stability in the closed country after the death of longtime leader Kim Jong Il.

Chinese, Japanese PM Hold Talks on Ties, Peninsula Situation
(Xinhua, Dec. 25, 2011) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Japanese Prime Minster Yoshihiko Noda held talks on China-Japan ties and Korean peninsula situation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Japan Lawmaker Calls for Tiaoyu Island Base
(AFP, Dec. 14, 2011) Japan should consider building a military base on islands disputed with China to counter Beijing's rising assertiveness, Nobuteru Ishihara, a leader of Japan's opposition, said on a visit to the United States.

Noda’s China Trip Postponed on Eve of Visit
(China Real Time Report, Dec. 7, 2011) Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s first trip to China has been postponed at the last minute at the request of the host country.

Japan Poll Finds Record Good Will for U.S.
(New York Times, Dec. 5, 2011) Only 16 percent of respondents reported not having a friendly attitude toward the United States, the lowest such result ever, while 71 percent of respondents said they did not feel friendly toward China.

Japan to Deploy Forces near Tiaoyutais
(China Post, Nov. 19, 2011) Japan is planning to deploy self-defense troops on the country's westernmost Yonaguni Island in order to strengthen the defense of the southwest islands, NHK reported.

Premier Says Japan Will Join Pacific Free Trade Talks
(New York Times, Nov. 12, 2011) In a contentious move that could make or break his government, Prime MinisterYoshihiko Noda said Friday that Japan would join talks toward an ambitious pan-Pacific free trade pact.

Taiwan, Japan, Ease Rules with Aviation Accord
(AFP, Nov. 11, 2011) Taiwan signed an open skies agreement with Japan, lifting restrictions on the number of carriers allowed to offer scheduled passenger services between the two countries.

China Military Planes Lead to Tripling of Japan Jet Scrambles
(China Real Time Report, Oct. 14, 2011) Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force has scrambled 83 times in the first half of the year to check out military aircraft from China buzzing Japan’s air space, according to the Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Council.

Taiwan Signs Historic Pact with Japan
(CNA, Sep. 23, 2011) Investors from Taiwan and Japan could expect to be treated as nationals on the other country's ground, as an investment pact between the two, which symbolizes a big step in the Taiwan-Japan relationship, was officially signed in Taipei.

Taiwan-Japan Trade Protection Pact Enlarges Market Openness
(CNA, Sep. 21, 2011) Amid speculation that Taiwan and Japan are close to sealing a trade pact this week, an economic official refused to confirm the date but said more content will be included in the accord.

Cable Shows Japan Official Said Taiwan Part of China
(Taipei Times, Sep. 12, 2011) A US cable released by WikiLeaks shows that Kenji Yamaoka, who was appointed chairman of the National Public Safety Commission in the Cabinet of newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, considered Taiwan China’s territory.

Japan Ties to Stay Strong As PM Changes: MOFA
(CNA, Aug. 30, 2011) Bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Japan are expected to remain stable after Japan's Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda is sworn in as the country's new prime minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

China Lashes Out at Japan for Criticizing Its Military Buildup
(AFP, Aug. 5, 2011) China launched a series of blistering attacks on key rival Japan after a defense paper approved by Tokyo criticized Beijing’s military buildup and growing territorial assertiveness.

Japan Warns of Rise in China’s Naval Activities
(BBC, Aug. 2, 2011) China's naval forces are stepping up their activities in the East and South China Seas, and the Pacific, Japan has warned in its annual defense report.

Poll Shows Most Japanese Feel Affection for Taiwan
(CNA, Jun. 3, 2011) Well over half of Japan’s citizens feel affection for Taiwan, while an overwhelming majority of them believe relations between the two countries are in good shape, a recent opinion poll showed.

Ma Calls Himself Japan’s Friend
(CNA, May 9, 2011) Despite past wars between the Chinese and Japanese nations, President Ma Ying-jeou alled himself “Japan's best friend” in Taiwan, saying Japan's contribution to the construction of Taiwan could not be denied.

Ma Urges Japan to Begin Talks on Trade Agreement
(CNA, May 6, 2011) President Ma Ying-jeou urged Tokyo to begin discussions with Taipei on a bilateral trade and investment agreement, according to a recent interview he gave to Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese daily.

China’s President Offers Condolences at Japan’s Embassy
(Reuters, Mar. 18, 2011) China’s President Hu Jintao offered condolences to the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami during an unusual visit to the country’s embassy.

Japan’s Exports to China at Record High in 2010
(Dow Jones, Jan. 26, 2011) Japan's exports to China hit a record high in 2010, underscoring the importance of China's growth to the export-dependent Japanese economy.

Japanese Support Helping US Defend Taiwan: Survey
(CNA, Dec. 25, 2010) In the survey conducted by the Japanese Asahi Shimbun daily, 57 percent of the 3,000 respondents said Japan’s self-defense forces should provide transportation and other logistical support to the US military if war were to break out in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan-Japan Forum Focuses on Disputed Tiaoyutais
(CNA, Dec. 21, 2010) Officials and scholars from Taiwan and Japan focused on the disputed Tiaoyutai Islands at an annual bilateral forum and could agree on only on thing: more discussion is needed on the issue.

Public’s Affinity for China Drops to Record Low
(Kyodo, Dec. 19, 2010) The number of Japanese who feel friendly toward China dropped to a record low 20 percent in a poll conducted by the government, down 18.5 percentage points from the previous survey last year.

Senkaku Memorial Day Riles China
(Japan Times, Dec. 18, 2010) Beijing was quick to lash out at the city of Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, for establishing a memorial day commemorating Japan's 1895 integration of the Senkaku Islands.

Japan Announces Defense Policy to Counter China
(New York Times, Dec. 17, 2010) Japan announced a new defense policy on Friday that will respond to China’s rising military might by building more submarines and other mobile forces capable of defending Japan’s southernmost islands.

China Protests Japanese Visit to Disputed Islands
(Reuters, Dec. 12, 2010) China denounced a visit by two local Japanese lawmakers to disputed islands in the East China Sea at the heart of a territorial row between Asian nations.

JCCI Urges Taiwan, Japan to Ink FTA
(Taipei Times, Nov. 27, 2010) Releasing its second annual White Paper, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Taipei urged Taiwan to sign more free-trade agreements with regional economies, especially Japan.

Japan Plans Troop Deployment near Disputed Islands – Nikkei
(Reuters, Nov. 21, 2010) Japan plans to send non-combat troops for the first time to its westernmost island in response to Chinese naval maneuvers in the East China Sea, a move which could infuriate its giant neighbor, the Nikkei business daily said.

Japan Warns West Against Lifting China Arms Embargo
(Telegraph, Nov. 19, 2010) Japan issued a warning over a Chinese campaign for a Western arms embargo to be lifted after a new report showed China possessed the capability to “knock out” five of the six US airbases in East Asia.

Thaws Do Not Mask Japan’s Waning Clout: Analysts
(AFP, Nov. 16, 2010) While Japan witnessed a thaw in sometimes frosty ties with China and Russia at weekend summits, its diplomatic power is waning in parallel to the erosion of its economic might, analysts say.

Kan Repeated ‘Firm’ Stance on Island Dispute in Talks with China’s Hu (Bloomberg, Nov. 13, 2010) Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan reiterated his country’s “firm” stance on disputed islands in the East China Sea during a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, while also calling for “mutually beneficial” ties.

Taiwan ‘Will Not Play Deaf’ If National Security Threatened: Minister (CNA, Nov. 10, 2010) The government will lodge a stern protest if surveillance facilities on Japan's Yonaguni Island threaten Taiwan's national security, Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang stressed.

Japan May Place Troops Close to Disputed Islands
(AFP, Nov. 10, 2010) Tokyo is considering placing troops on a remote Japanese island in the East China Sea to monitor China’s expanded naval activities that have worried its neighbors, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Taiwan Hopes U.S. Will Acknowledge Claim Over Disputed Islets
(CNA, Nov. 4, 2010) Taiwan hopes the United States will acknowledge and not "ignore" its claim of sovereignty over the disputed Tiaoyutai Islands, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said.

Ma Stresses Value of Ties with Japan on Abe Visit
(China Post, Nov. 2, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou said that his administration will continue to step up interchanges with Japan.

Tsai Calls for Cooperation with Japan on Diaoyutais
(Taipei Times, Nov. 2, 2010) DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen used her private talk with former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe to call for greater bilateral cooperation on the Diaoyutai Islands.

Former Japanese PM Abe Visits Taiwan, Meets Ma
(Taipei Times, Nov. 1, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou shunned issues relating to the contested Diaoyutai Islands during his meeting with former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

China, Japan Sink Deeper into Diplomatic Feud
(AFP, Oct. 30, 2010) A feud between China and Japan deepened at an Asian summit, as China angrily not only accused its rival of making false comments and hopes for landmark talks but also voiced strong dissatisfaction over remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the disputed islands.

China Rejects US Offer of Three-Way Talks
(AFP, Nov. 3, 2010) China and Japan alone should resolve their dispute over contested islands in the East China Sea, Beijing said, rejecting a US offer for three-way talks to address the simmering row.

Japan Protests to China Over Boats Near Islands
(AFP, Oct. 25, 2010) Japan said it had lodged a protest with China after spotting two of its fisheries patrol boats near a disputed island chain at the centre of a bitter row between the Asian giants.

Japan Laments China Protest Damage
(BBC, Oct. 18, 2010) Japan's prime minister, Naoto Kan, has expressed regret over anti-Japanese protests in China in the last two days.

China Wants to Maintain Ties After Japanese, Chinese Protests
(Bloomberg, Oct. 16, 2010) China said it wants to maintain ties with Japan after demonstrators in the nations staged protests over a ship collision in contested waters last month that brought relations to their lowest in five years.

Government Expresses Concerns about Japanese Politicians’ Diaoyutais Visit (Taipei Times, Oct. 10, 2010) Taiwan expressed concern to the Japanese government after four Japanese lawmakers inspected the disputed Diaoyutai Islands and nearby waters from the air.

Gov’t Probing U.S.-Japan Tiaoyutai Joint Exercise Report
(CNA, Oct. 4, 2010) Taiwan's representative office in Tokyo has launched a probe into a report published by the Sankei Simbun newspaper that the United States and Japan are slated to hold a joint military exercise in November as a mock operation to retake the Tiaoyutai Islands if China occupies them.

China Softens Tone in Japan Dispute
(New York Times, Sep. 29, 2010) After weeks of escalating diplomatic tension over Japan’s detention of a Chinese fishing captain, China on Tuesday called on Tokyo to cooperate in resolving the messy dispute.

Japan Counters China with Compensation Demand for Coast-Guard Ship Damage (Bloomberg, Sep. 26, 2010) Japan responded to Chinese demands for compensation over this month’s detention of a fishing boat captain by calling for China to pay for repairs to two Coast Guard vessels damaged in the collision that sparked his arrest.

Japan Rejects China Call for Apology
(AP, Sep. 26, 2010) Japan strongly rejected a Chinese demand that it apologize for detaining a Chinese fishing boat captain, whose arrest after a collision near disputed islands plunged relations between the two Asian powers to their lowest level in years.

China Arrests Four Japanese Amid Tensions
(New York Times, Sep. 24, 2010) In what could be another sign of rising tensions between Japan and China, Beijing said that four Japanese had been arrested for videotaping military installations.

Japan Urges Nationalism Avoided in China Sea Row
(Reuters, Sep. 21, 2010) Japan said on Tuesday it and China should avoid fuelling nationalism over a sea dispute and called for the row to be resolved without affecting business between Asia's two biggest economies.

China Halts Ministerial-Level Contacts with Japan
(AP, Sep. 20, 2010) China has suspended high-level contacts with Japan over the extended detention of a Chinese fishing boat captain arrested after a collision near disputed islands, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Chinese Hold Anti-Japan Protests Over Boat Dispute
(AP, Sep. 19, 2010) Protesters in several cities across China marked a politically sensitive anniversary Saturday with anti-Japan chants and banners, as authorities tried to stop anger over a diplomatic spat between the Asian giants from getting out of control.

Japan to Take Measures Over China Drill
(AFP, Sep. 19, 2010) Japan plans to take "counter-measures" if China starts drilling in a disputed gas field in the East China Sea amid a simmering territorial row, press reports said.

China Again Summons Japanese Ambassador in Boat Row
(AFP, Sep. 16, 2010) China said it summoned Japan's ambassador for a fifth time to demand Tokyo release a Chinese fishing boat captain, digging in its heels in the worst diplomatic spat between the regional rivals in years.

Taiwan, Japan Trade Protests Over Stand-Off Near Disputed Islands (DPA, Sep. 14, 2010) Taiwan and Japan traded protests following a stand-off between Taiwan activists and the Japanese coast guard near a disputed chain of islands in the East China Sea.

China Scraps Visit to Japan Over Island Row: Media
(AFP, Sep. 14, 2010) China has scrapped a senior legislator's planned Japan visit this week amid a bitter row over the arrest of a Chinese skipper near a disputed island chain last week, a news report said.

China Summons Japanese Ambassador Again Over Boat
(AP, Sep. 12, 2010) China's Foreign Ministry said that State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Beijing's senior foreign policy adviser summoned Japanese Ambassador Uichiro Niwa in the early hours of Sunday -- the fourth time the ambassador has been summoned over the crash.

China Calls in Japan Envoy for 3rd Time
(AP, Sep. 11, 2010) China summoned Japan's ambassador for a third time to protest the detention of the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that collided with Japanese patrol vessels near disputed islands, demanding he and his ship be released unconditionally.

China Postpones Talks with Japan after Boat Collision
(BBC, Sep. 10, 2010) Beijing has postponed planned diplomatic talks with Tokyo after Japan's court extended the detention of a Chinese trawler captain for 10 days.

Japan’s Trial of Boat Captain Will Harm Relations: China
(AP, Sep. 10, 2010) Japan will damage its relations with China if it decides to prosecute the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that collided with Japanese patrol vessels near disputed islands, Beijing warned.

Boat Collisions Spark Japan-China Diplomatic Row
(BBC, Sep. 8, 2010) A diplomatic row has intensified between China and Japan after collisions between two Japanese patrol boats and a Chinese trawler.

Taiwan, Japan Negotiating Investment Guarantee Pact
(CNA, Sep. 8, 2010) Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang confirmed that Taiwan and Japan have started negotiations on a bilateral investment guarantee agreement to step up economic exchanges between the two countries.

Taiwan Claims Disputed Islets in Japan, US Drill
(AFP, Aug. 20, 2010) Taiwan stressed its claim to a disputed island chain, reacting to reports of a planned joint naval exercise between Japan and the United States in nearby waters.

Taiwan Vigilant in Face of China’s Military Buildup: Ma
(CNA, Aug. 19, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou stressed the importance of the Japan-U.S. security treaty signed in 1960, saying that it has since formed the bedrock of peace and stability in East Asia, during an interview with Sankei Shimbun.

Security Pact Covers Tiaoyutas: US State Department Official
(CNA, Aug. 18, 2010) A U.S. Department of State official said that the Japan-U.S. security pact still applies to the Senkaku Islands even if the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama has not stated so explicitly.

Japan’s Cabinet Shuns Shrine on Anniversary of War’s End
(New York Tiems, Aug. 16, 2010) Angering his nation’s conservatives, Japan’s left-leaning new prime minister marked the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II by shunning a religious shrine linked to Japan’s militaristic past.

Taiwanese Boat Seized by Japan for Fishing EEZ
(Taipei Times, Aug. 11, 2010) A Taiwanese fishing boat was detained by Japanese authorities for fishing in its Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) but will soon be released after it agreed to pay a fine, an official said.

Japan Panel Moots Major Defense Policy Shift
(AFP, Jul. 26, 2010) A government panel will recommend that Japan relax longstanding defense guidelines to prepare for "contingencies" in the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan Strait, reports said.

Ministry Concerned about Japanese Deployment Plan
(Taipei Times, Jul. 23, 2010) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had voiced its concerns to Tokyo after reports that Japan planned to deploy Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel on two islands off Okinawa.

Japan Extends ADIZ into Taiwan Space
(Taipei Times, Jun. 26, 2010) Japan has extended its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) so that it now overlaps with sections of a zone controlled by Taiwan.

China, Japan Launch Prime Ministerial Hotline
(Xinhua, Jun. 13, 2010) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a telephone conversation, marking the official activation of the China-Japan prime ministerial hotline.

Japanese Leader Tells Obama He’ll Work to Fulfill Base Pact
(New York Times, Jun. 7, 2010) Japan’s new prime minister, Naoto Kan, told President Obama on Sunday that he would work to fulfill an agreement to relocate an American air base.

U.S. and Japan Reach Okinawa Deal
(New York Times, May 28, 2010) Japan and the United States issued a statement saying an American air base on Okinawa would be relocated to a new site on the island, moving to officially end a dispute between the allies.

Japan’s Air Defense Identification Zone Request Confirmed
(CNA, May 27, 2010) MOFA has been notified by Japan about a request to re-draw the Air Defense Identification Zone over Japan's Yonaguni lsland just to the east of Taiwan.

Foreign Ministry to Clear Up Taiwan Status to Japan
(Taipei Times, May 21, 2010) Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin said that the ministry would instruct its office in Japan to declare the government’s position on the status of the country to the Japanese government following a recent statement by a Japanese government official.

Taiwan and Japan Sign Bilateral Relations MOU
(Taipei Times, May 1, 2010) Taiwan and Japan yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the enhancement of exchanges and cooperation to further bilateral collaboration in 15 areas.

Taiwan Protests Japanese Plan to Mine Metals Near Disputed Islands (DPA, Apr. 27, 2010) Taiwan complained to Japan over Tokyo's plan to search for rare metals near the Diaoyu Islands, which are claimed by China, Taiwan and Japan, officials said.

Japan: Protest Over Chinese Helicopter
(Reuters, Apr. 21, 2010) Japanese officials lodged a protest with Beijing over a Chinese helicopter they say flew too close to a Japanese destroyer in the waters off Okinawa, the Foreign Ministry said.

President Ma Will Meet with Visiting Ex-Japanese PM Aso
(China Post, Apr. 6, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou will meet privately with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, who arrived in Taiwan on a four-day private visit, political sources said.

Japan Offers New Plan in Okinawa Dispute
(New York Times, Mar. 4, 2010) The Japanese government has approached United States officials with a new proposal for resolving a festering dispute over an American air base in Okinawa, the Japanese news media reported.

Japan May Take China to Tribunal Over East China Sea Gas Field
(Bloomberg, Feb. 22, 2010) Japan may take a dispute with China over developing a natural gas field in the East China Sea to an international maritime tribunal, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano said.

Ma Meets Japan Envoy, Calls for FTA
(Taipei Times, Feb. 5, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou met the new Japanese representative to Taiwan, Tadashi Imai, and expressed the hope that Taipei and Tokyo could sign a free-trade agreement (FTA).

New Joint Study Fails to Bridge Divide between Japan and China on Nanjing (AFP, Feb. 1, 2010) Japanese and Chinese academics published the results of a three-year joint study that showed they could not resolve differences on controversial modern events including the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.

Japan, U.S. Vow to Expand Ties Despite Base Feud
(Reuters, Jan. 19, 2010) They will work with China and also jointly deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, the two countries' foreign and defense ministers said in a statement to mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan security treaty.

Japan Threatens Action on China Gas Project: Report
(Reuters, Jan. 17, 2010) Japan warned China that it would take action if Beijing starts gas production in a disputed field in the East China Sea, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.

Japan Leader Wants More Equal Ties with U.S.
(AP, Jan. 4, 2010) Japan's prime minister said he will press for more equal ties with Washington this year, the 50th anniversary of a joint security treaty that grants many special privileges to U.S. troops stationed in the country.

Japan Hopes China Bond Buying Speeds Market Reforms By Tatsuo Ito (Wall Street Journal, Jan. 31, 2012) There's more to the plan by Japan to buy up to $10 billion of Chinese bonds than meets the eye, some Japanese officials say, adding that it's in fact a reflection of their frustration with the unilateral and aggressive purchases of Japanese government bonds by China.

Economist React: China-Japan Currency Pact By Bob Davis
(China Real Time Report, Dec. 27, 2011) What does a more muscular yuan mean for the global economy? Here are views of three prominent economists.

Japan, China Deepen Financial Ties By Takashi Nakamichi and Lingling Wei (Wall Street Journal, Dec. 25, 2011) The Chinese and Japanese governments unveiled a broad, innovative package of financial agreements designed to tighten ties between the world's second and third largest economies, moves that could elevate the yuan's status as an international currency.

Japan to Take Assertive Stance toward China By Yoree Koh
(Wall Street Journal, Nov. 17, 2011) Japan's prime minister plans to present a subtle challenge to China at a regional summit by pressing fellow Asian leaders to focus more on maritime security, a discussion opposed by an increasingly assertive Beijing.

Social Media: Building Mutual Trust Between China and Japan By Yang Yi (PacNet #57, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Oct. 6, 2011) The use of alternative media sources beyond the CCp’s control can’t fully determine Chinese views of Japan. They can, however, help the people of China to get to know more about Japan and acquire a more complete picture.

It Takes Two to Have “Win-Win” Relations By Mihoko Matsubara
(PacNet #54, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Sep. 20, 2011) China is absolutely right: Tokyo must “carefully craft and implement a proper policy” to make relations better. But Beijing has to play its part as well.

Keep an Eagle Eye on China’s Military Buildup
(Editorial, Yomiuri Shinmbun, Aug. 2, 2011) Other countries are becoming increasingly nervous about China's expanded maritime activities. These include Australia and India, as well as Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. Tokyo must look into the possibility of cooperating with these countries.

With Few Specifics on relocating Futenma, Japan, U.S. Focus on China (Asahi Shimbun, Jun. 23, 2011) After failing to agree on a timetable for relocating the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan and the United States focused on common strategic objectives mainly to deal with China's emergence.

Japan Unlikely to Redirect Defense Policy By David Fouse
(PacNet #26, Pacific Forum, CSIS, May 5, 2011) Japan’s recent shift in defense policy represents another incremental step in a long-term transformation to cope with its security environment. It is unlikely that this disaster will change the direction of that transformation, even if it slows it down.

Cables Show U.S. Concern on Japan’s Disaster Readiness By Martin Fackler (New York Times, May 4, 2011) State Department cables show concerns on both sides about the nations’ security relationship and American doubts about Japanese preparedness.

Japan’s Defense Minister Seeks Stronger Military Ties to U.S. By Yuka Hayashi (Wall Street Journal, Apr. 23, 2011) Japan needs to strengthen military ties with the U.S. and South Korea to keep China's military expansion in check, its defense minister said.

Reeling from Crises, Japan Approaches Familiar Crossroads By Norimitsu Onishi (New York Times, Mar. 20, 2011) The earthquake, whose epicenter was more than 200 miles north of Tokyo, and the resulting nuclear crisis, will change this nation. The open question is how, and how much.

Japan Quake: China Sets Aside Disputes, Offers Help By Keith B. Richburg (Washington Post, Mar. 12, 2011) The earthquake and tsunami that devastated northern Japan may help temporarily ease Japan's strained relations with China, allowing the two Asian rivals for the moment to look past lingering territorial, economic, military and historical disputes.

With Its Eye on China, Japan Builds Up Military By Martin Fackler
(New York Times, Mar. 1, 2011) Japan is slowly raising the capabilities of its forces to respond to a more assertive China and a nuclear-armed North Korea — and to take a first, halting step out of the shadow of the United States, which many Japanese fear may one day no longer have the will or ability to defend Japan.

Japanese Isle in Sea of Contention Weighs Fist Versus Open Hand By Martin Fackler (New York Times, Feb. 11, 2011) Tokyo is considering putting about 100 soldiers on Yonaguni Island as a message to nearby China and Taiwan, a plan that has divided the island.

U.S.-Japan Ties Should Deepen, Gates Says, Citing Threats from China, N. Korea By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Jan. 14, 2011) Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates invoked threats from North Korea and China's modernizing military as reasons to strengthen the U.S. alliance with Japan and to keep U.S. forces strong in the Pacific.

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa on Japan’s Regional and U.S. Relations By Chico Harlan (Washington Post, Jan. 13, 2011) China’s lack of transparency and the activities of their military is a concern to the region, including Japan as well as international society.

Coping with China
(Asahi Shimbun Editorial, Jan. 4, 2011) The DPJ government needs to focus all its energy on building personal contacts with China and, at the same time, express Japan to China’s 400 million-plus Internet users.

More Muscular China Made Change Necessary By Masami Ito
(Japan Times, Dec. 18, 2010) The new defense guideline calling for a drastic shift to the southwest is a necessary and natural move for Japan amid China's growing military might and tougher diplomatic posture in the East China Sea, military analysts said.

Japan Plans Military Shift to Focus More on China By Martin Fackler (New York Times, Dec. 13, 2010) Japan is about to release new military guidelines that would reduce its heavy armored and artillery forces pointed north toward Russia in favor of creating more mobile units that could respond to China’s growing presence near its southernmost islands.

More Than Futenma By Jeffery Hornung
(PacNet #61, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Dec. 10, 2010) While US-Japan relations have suffered damage at the political level, including a loss of trust, the fundamentals of the relationship remain strong.

Japan Abandons Bid to Make China a Key Pillar of Its Foreign Policy By Peter Ford (Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 17, 2010) China's recent aggressive behavior over disputed islands spurred Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan to turn his back on earlier efforts to rebalance ties with China and the United States.

U.S. Works to Ease China-Japan Conflict By Mark Landler
(New York Times, Oct. 31, 2010) Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton proposed a three-way meeting with China and Japan to resolve their dispute in the East China Sea.

Japan Spins Anti-China Merry-Go-Round By Peter Lee
(Asia Times, Oct. 29, 2010) Japan's accusation appears to be little more than a cynical repackaging for political gain of its unsuccessful year-long campaign to persuade China to loosen its publicly announced quotas on rare earth exports.

Japan to Consider Relaxing Weapons Export Ban By Chico Harlan
(Washington Post, Oct. 15, 2010) Japan will consider relaxing its long-standing ban on weapons exports as the country explores ways to bolster its military capabilities, Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said in an interview.

Chinese Civilian Boats Roil Disputed Waters By Edward Wong
(New York Times, Oct. 6, 2010) The number of Chinese civilian boats operating in disputed territory and that of the run-ins they have with foreign vessels, including warships, are on the rise, American and Asian officials say.

China, Japan Need Help to Stop Crisis from Escalating—and Fast By Andrew L. Oros and Steven Clemons (Daily Yomiuri, Sep. 25, 2010) Without a better developed crisis management framework, China and Japan--and pontificating nationalists inside each--are bound to irresponsibly exploit future such incidents and in doing so risk undermining the regional dynamism and growth that have earned admiration from the rest of the world.

Tip of the Spear: the 13 Missions for US Marines in Okinawa By Tetsuo Kotani (PacNet #43, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Sep. 24, 2010) In the event of a military scenario on the Korean Peninsula or in the Taiwan Strait, the MEU can readily perform many types of missions enabling the full combat capabilities of the MEF for sustained operations.

Asia’s Clouded Horizon—Part I By Marvin Ott
(YaleGlobal, Sep. 27, 2010) Ott warns that ASEAN nations fail to unite on many issues, but one point of agreement stands firm: the fear of being forced to choose between two big powers. Analysts should not anticipate that a grand US-ASEAN alliance against China is in the offing.

Japan Retreats with Release of Chinese Boat Captain By Martin Fackler and Ian Johnson (New York Times, Sep. 25, 2010) A diplomatic showdown between Japan and China ended Friday when Tokyo accepted Beijing’s demands for immediate release of the captain, a concession that appeared to mark a humiliating retreat in a Pacific test of wills.

China’s Aggression and Insecurity By Jeffrey Wasserstrom
(Project Syndicate, Sep. 25, 2010) A closer look reveals that Chinese President Hu Jintao’s words and deeds are often shaped by a mixture of insecurity and cockiness and that Chinese officials alternate between playing up and playing down the country’s rise.

Dispute with Japan Highlights China’s Foreign-Policy Power Struggle By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Sep. 23, 2010) The increasingly bitter dispute between China and Japan over a small group of islands in the Pacific is heightening concerns in capitals across the globe over who controls China's foreign policy.

China Increasing Economic Leverage by Limiting ‘Rare Earths’ Exports By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Sep. 23, 2010) China's recent move to limit exports of minerals critical in the manufacture of a vast array of products such as missiles, car batteries, cellphones, lasers and computers is stoking alarm that its domination of the industry could give it enhanced leverage over the United States.

China’s Disputes in Asia Buttress Influence of U.S. By Edward Wong (New York Times, Sep. 23, 2010) Rising frictions between China and its neighbors in recent weeks over security issues have handed the United States an opportunity to reassert itself.

Japan-China Island Tensions Rise By Masami Ito
(Japan Times, Sep. 23, 2010) Tensions are growing daily over Japan's arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain following his ship's collision with Japan Coast Guard vessels in the East China Sea. Following are basic questions and answers about the dispute.

China Says No Meeting with Japan at U.N. By Ian Johnson
(New York Times, Sep. 22, 2010) China broadened its show of diplomatic displeasure over a territorial dispute with Japan by effectively scrapping the possibility that Prime Minister Wen Jiabao would meet his Japanese counterpart at the United Nations this week.

China and Japan Escalate Standoff Over Fishing Captain By Martin Fackler and Ian Johnson (New York Times, Sep. 20, 2010) What started nearly two weeks ago with the Japanese Coast Guard’s arrest of a Chinese trawler captain in disputed waters has snowballed into a heated diplomatic standoff between China and Japan, highlighting anxieties in Asia about China’s rising power and assertiveness.

China to ‘Gain’ from Kan Win By Seima Oki
(Yomiuri Shimbun, Sep. 16, 2010) The Chinese government might stiffen its attitude toward Japan over maritime and other matters prone to bilateral disputes as it anticipates an easy relationship with Tokyo after Prime Minister Naoto Kan's win in the Democratic Party of Japan's leadership election, observers say.

The Other China Sea Flashpoint
(Wall Street Journal, Sep. 13, 2010) The U.S. and Japan are planning exercises later this year to practice retaking islands from an unnamed power. That is a plenty powerful signal to the Chinese navy, and to Beijing to keep its more adventurous junior officers in check. But Tokyo needs to do likewise with its coast guard.

Ryukyu Chain in China’s Island Strategy By James Holmes and Toshi Yoshihara (China Brief 10(18), Jamestown Foundation, Sep. 10, 2010) After decades of declining to dispute Chinese access to the Pacific, Tokyo has started taking the prospect of Sino-Japanese maritime competition more seriously, and it grasps the geographic dimension of any such contest.

China and Japan Bristle Over Disputed Chain of Islands By Ian Johnson (New York Times, Sep. 9, 2010) Despite recent efforts to tamp down territorial disputes, China and Japan are jostling elbows over one of their thorniest such conflicts: control of a tiny, uninhabited island chain in the East China Sea.

Japan Is Alone Over Yen By Michael Casey
(Wall Street Journal, Aug. 13, 2010) The chances of any joint intervention by the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve this time are highly remote. Why? Because the Japan-U.S. trading relationship is nowhere near as important as the U.S.-China relationship.

Time for Leadership for the US-Japan Relationship By Sheila A. Smith (PacNet #35, Jul. 29, 2010) Together, the US president and the Japanese prime minister should also remind their publics that we can resolve our differences with respect and with conviction, and if necessary – correct our mistakes.

The Japanese Archipelago through Chinese Eyes By Toshi Yoshihara and James Holmes (China Brief 10(16), Jamestown Foundation, Aug. 5, 2010) To Chinese thinkers of neo-Mahanian leanings, naval power is a blunt instrument of statecraft that Beijing appears to be brandishing with increased frequency. Such strategists appear to attach vast importance to managing affairs along the Asian seaboard—particularly the Japanese archipelago.

Japan Takes a Shot at China- via Taiwan By Jens Kastner and Wang Jyh-Perng (Asia Times, Jul. 7, 2010) A look out of the box of Taiwan's partisan politics reveals that Japan isn't short of motives to step up its military presence in the East China Sea other than to react to the KMT's pro-China course.

Ties to U.S. Played Role in Downfall of Japanese Leader By Martin Fackler and Mark Lander (New York Times, Jun. 3, 2010) When Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of Japan abruptly stepped down, he was essentially admitting he had not won popular support for a prominent campaign pledge: ending Japan’s postwar dependence on the United States for its security.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama Resigns By Blaine Harden (Washington Post, Jun. 2, 2010) Having squandered a historic electoral mandate in nine months, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama resigned Wednesday.

Japan Relents on U.S. Base on Okinawa By Martin Fackler
(New York Times, May 24, 2010) Reneging on a prominent campaign promise, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told outraged residents of Okinawa that an American air base would be moved only to the north side of the island rather than off the island.

Deal Seems Near on U.S. Base in Japan By Martin Fackler
(New York Times, May 21, 2010) Major Japanese newspapers reported that Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has decided to largely accept Washington’s demands that he honor an existing agreement to relocate an American air base on Okinawa.

Japanese Leader Backtracks on Revising Base Agreement By Martin Fackler and Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times, May 5, 2010) Backtracking on a prominent campaign pledge, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told angry residents of Okinawa that it was unrealistic to expect the United States to move its entire Marine Corps air base off the island.

Breaking Point for the Alliance? By Brad Glosserman
(PacNet #19, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Apr. 12, 2010) The real risk is from the US: It looks like the new Japanese government is taking the alliance for granted and that could trigger a backlash.

Japan Moves to Settle Dispute with U.S. Over Okinawa Base Relocation By John Pomfret (Washington Post, Apr. 24, 2010) The Japanese government indicated that it would broadly accept a plan to relocate a U.S. Marine Corps base on Okinawa, a move that could ease months of discord between the two allies, U.S. and Japanese, officials said.

Okinawa and Security in East Asia By Richard C. Bush III
(Brookings, Apr. 16, 2010) Richard Bush discussed the impact of Japan’s recent political changes on the U.S.-Japan alliance and base realignment in Okinawa, and how the alliance and Okinawa are important to security in East Asia as a whole, not just Japan and the U.S.

U.S. Reaches Out to Tokyo’s Real Power By Martin Fackler
(New York Times, Mar. 8, 2010) At a time of turmoil in Washington’s ties with Tokyo, American officials are reaching out directly to that power behind the throne.

A 21st Century Vision for the Alliance By Yoichi Funabashi
(PacNet #7, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Feb. 18, 2010) In redefining the Japan-US alliance for the challenges posed by this century, the pact needs to evolve from being “against” something to one that is “for” something.

Will Japan Emerge from Its Shell?—Part II By Daniel Sneider
(YaleGlobal, Feb. 5, 2010) Japan’s new tack not only has caught the US flat-footed, but also has other countries in the Asia Pacific worried. Most importantly, Tokyo seems to be making uncharacteristically friendly overtures to Beijing. But it would be wrong to assume that Sino-Japan relations are really much improved.

Transatlantic, Meet Pacific: China’s Bold Stance at Munich Security Conference By Robert Marquand (Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 5, 2010) In front of 300 diplomats, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said the US was violating international law by a proposed arms sale to Taiwan, and defended Chinese TV and radio as more reliable than Western media.

Economic Realities Limit Japan’s Security Options By Robert Madsen and Brad Glosserman (PacNet #2, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Jan. 19, 2010) The Hatoyama government’s desire to “rebalance” Japan’s foreign policy have triggered alarms and raised fears of a rupture, but those fears are misplaced.

In Japan, U.S. Losing Diplomatic Ground to China By Martin Fackler
(New York Times, Jan. 24, 2010) American experts say the Obama administration has been slow to realize the extent of the change in Japan’s thinking about its traditional protector and its traditional rival.

Has the Obama Administration Been Too Tough on Japan?
(Editorial, Washington Post, Jan. 5, 2010) Japan's nascent two-party system is a democratic achievement, not a diplomatic nuisance; give it a little time to find its course.