Asahi Shimbun: Diplomacy is too important to leave to professionals

[La_Serpiente]

Diplomacy is too important to leave to professionals

Japanese foreign policy is facing a revolution that needs new ideas from the private sector.

Japan, with the pride of being Asia's leader and with its economic growth-has contributed to the rest of Asia through financial aid. These efforts were made by professionals in diplomacy, mainly those in government. Japanese citizens have not raised particular doubts or questions about the nation's diplomacy.

But diplomacy today faces a turning point based largely on three issues: China's rising stature, Japan's shift in diplomacy with declining aid donations and the emerging element of citizens and private-sector entities in Japanese diplomacy.

The first factor that calls for a new diplomatic approach is the increasing political presence of China in Asia. China's pro-active policies are making an impression on the region. Recent actions include creating a mechanism for regional economic cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, including free-trade agreements, and its role in the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear threat.

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Diplomacy is too important to leave to professionals