Still Talking about Methodology

Both top leaders of Japan and Russia agreed on taking “new approach” to settle territory issue and improve their bilateral relationship. Although Japan-Russia relationship had been making no major progress in accumulated top meetings, the dialogue resulted in sharing methodology. Nevertheless, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, stressed the achievement to be great.

Dispute over Northern Territory of Japan, being occupied by Russia after World War II, is the greatest obstacle of the bilateral relationship. While Japan has been claiming sovereignty over the islands, Russia has even been negative on existence of the problem. “To overcome standpoints of both side and settle the problem, we need a new approach to negotiate in a future-looking manner, considering not only bilateral but also global viewpoints,” proposed Abe in the meeting with Putin in Sochi, a Russian resort city facing Black Sea.

The spokesman for Japanese Prime Minister, Hiroshige Seko, explained that basic standpoint of Japan had not changed by the proposal of “new approach” and fundamental policy of concluding peace treaty with reconfirmation to which country those disputed islands belonged would be maintained. “Although Prime Minister made detailed proposal on peace treaty and Northern Territory issue, I would not refer to the substance, because negotiation is ongoing,” told Seko in his press conference.

Making clear difference from Japanese delegation, Putin insisted on economic cooperation between the two nations. “Economy is the most important, anyhow. I would welcome the promotion of Japanese companies in this difficult situation and support business of Japanese companies,” said Putin, according to the announcement of Japanese government. Abe proposed eight cooperative plans, which included development of Far East region, energy or urban development. The proposal will be discussed by the officials of both sides.

One apparent achievement was that they agreed on having next meeting in September. Russia is going to hold an economic forum in Vladivostok in September. They will meet again, taking that opportunity. But, Putin did not show his willingness to visit Japan with acceptance of consecutive invitation from Abe. The difficulty of the visit shows how this bilateral relationship is hopeless to make a meaningful progress.

As the chairman of Group 7 Summit this year, Abe wants to bridge the gap between Western developed nations and Russia. But it is difficult for a leader who cannot settle his bilateral relationship to manage complicated international politics.