It’s the Economy, Stupid

In the Clinton for President 1992 office in Little Rock, there were three slogans hung on the wall: “Change vs. more of the same,” “The economy, stupid,” and “Don’t forget health care.” While it was not clear that similar version of the two of them, “China vs. more of the same” and “Don’t forget America” were in their strategy, “The economy, stupid” must be the primary message of Association of Southeast Asian Nations toward Japan. In the leaders meeting in Tokyo, Japan could not achieve an agreement with description of “air defense identification zone.”

The joint statement stressed an agreement on reinforced cooperation for free aviation and securing safety of private airlines. It also noted the importance of solution for conflict with peaceful measures and of cooperation for free and safe navigation in the sea and air, regarding problems of China’s assertion for territory in East and South China Sea. However, it did not specifically target the issue of ADIZ set by China in East China Sea, with consideration of some nations that had close ties with China.

In the press conference, Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, required China dismissal of the zone, which might only erode Japan’s status, if China would keep on ignoring that massage. Abe meanwhile requested a top leaders meeting with China to talk frankly. Unrealistic messages will undermine his credibility in diplomacy. Concerning further antagonism, Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, urged Japan to have good relation with China, saying it as critical for the future of the region.

Good news for ASEAN was Japan’s commitment to $100 millions for Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund, which would be used for supporting ASEAN economic integration by 2015. Japan also announced its official development assistance worth $20 billion for five years in infrastructure for disaster prevention. For unimpeded economic development, Asian nations expect consecutive assistance from Japan. For Japan, ASEAN nations are alternative choice of investment to unstable China. Economic relation between Japan and ASEAN is getting tighter than ever.

So, it’s economy for ASEAN when it sees the future of its relationship with Japan. Even how Abe emphasizes “value diplomacy,” of which some may remind wartime cause of Japan aggression, Great East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere, the words will not remain in the mind of Asian leaders. According to a report of Asahi Shimbun, Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, said “Can you tell it the United States, too?” when he was asked by an Japanese official of stopping submission to Chinese government of flight plan in the ADIZ. If Japan loses economic grip on Asian nations, its political standpoint in the region will steeply decline.