Intimidation from a Small Island

Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, on Wednesday became the first Japanese leader in these forty-eight years who visited closest land to China without going abroad. In Ishigaki Island, one hundred fifty miles away from Taiwan and two hundred fifty from the mainland China, Abe encouraged coast guard men and women who were in charge of deterring Chinese ships around Senkaku Islands. It was also intended to intimidate Chinese government by showing his determination on protecting “Japan’s national interest.”

The last incumbent PM to visit Ishigaki Island was Eisaku Sato in 1965, when the island was still under the administration of the United States. Abe tried to appeal the first visit after the Southeast Islands, also including Ishigaki and Okinawa, had been returned in 1972.

In the speech in Ishigaki Coast Guard Office, Abe insisted on no compromise in the Chinese intimidation around Senkaku. “The situation around our sea territory is getting difficult with frequent approaches by Chinese ships after we purchased Senkaku on September 11^th last year,” said him. He also showed his determination as the leader, saying that “I am willing to stand on your front to protect the life and property of our nation and the territory of land, sea and air.”

In this timing, Abe needed to show his strong leadership to win a victory in the election of the House of Councillors on coming Sunday. It was reported that his envoy, former diplomat Shotaro Yachi, had proposed Chinese official to deal with Senkaku issue as diplomatic issue and not to disturb China to dispute its administration, while Japan would still not admit the existence of territorial issue. Abe needed to deny that kind of weak attitude.

Chinese government shortly responded to Abe’s speech in Ishigaki. “We request stopping action that erodes Chinese sovereignty,” told the spokeswoman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying.

Most of Abe’s colleagues are worrying about the negative aspect of his action. “It was quite stimulative and needless,” said one governmental officer. The President of New Komeito, Natsuo Yamaguchi, was sober on Abe’s visit to Ishigaki. “To improve the relationship with China, we need to bring an idea for how we control the issue, while appealing our own viewpoint,” he told reporters.

Even how Abe is enthusiastic on intimidating China by visiting neighbor lands including India, Mongol, and the countries of Southeast Asia, the situation that he can have no contact with Chinese leader has not been changed. Value-oriented diplomacy is one thing. But, substance is really needed.