Topic 41

Jiang's Historic Visit to Japan

Erica Liverant

Chinese President Jiang Zemin began an historic visit to Japan, seeking a 21st century partnership between Asia's two economic and military giants. Mr. Jiang is the first Chinese head of state to visit Japan. An important undercurrent to the meetings wil be a future Japanese role in supporting American troops in any conflict with China over Taiwan-these are at the core of the challenge of constructing a new post cold war security equilibrium for Asia.

China is expecting a formal written apology from Japan, apologizing to beijing for the actions of the Japanese Imperial army in China during world war II.

China also wants japan to commit to a three no's policy.that means pledging not to support two Chinas, Taiwan independence, and Taiwanese membership in international organizations made up of sovereign states.

It will be the first formal visit ever by a Chinese head of state to Japan.The trip marks the completion of an effort by China, Japan, and the USA, to establish regular visits among their top leaders. All 3 countries believe that regular exchanges at the highest level will help to stabilize the Beijing Washington-Tokyo nexus.

One irritant for China is theatre missile defense, a controversial expensive system under development which aims to bring down ballistic missiles in flight. China and Japan see the future of Asian security in different ways. The most profound difference is over the legitimacy of China's use of force against Taiwan. the Jiang-Obuchi summit will not reconcile those differences, but hopefully will create a new atmosphere in which Tokyo and Beijing can put the hostile past behind them and look ahead to the future.

Key Names:

Jiang Zemin-President of China

Keizo Obuchi-Prime Minister of Japan

Timeline:

11-25-98 Zemin arrives in Japan

11-26-98 Zemin meets with Obuchi

11-30-98 Zemin leaves Japan