Abe says he is determined to pursue peace in Asia

That's funny, because almost all of his recent actions seem to be having the opposite effect.

Quote: "|Abe used an historic address to a joint sitting of Australia’s parliament to say that Japan “is now determined to do more to enhance peace in the region and peace in the world"

For those who read (the kuki) between the lines - this means Abe wants a seat on the U.N. Permanent Security Council next to Russia and China. He's going to upset the apple cart.

Of course he will.

It's just that the other Asian nations (read: SK and China) better learn to behave like grown adults instead of petty and petulant kids baiting and antagonizing Japan.

i don't trust him.

He can be trusted... unlike China. He's not in the market to further conflict but on the other hand to give in to a corrupt nation like China and a permanently unforgiving nation like SK would not benefit Japan in any way, it would undermine them.

Yeah, nothing quite says 'peace' like revising the constitution so you can make war, denying past atrocities, revising textbooks, 'reviewing' apologies, setting up to sell weapons and building or buying new ones at home, and visiting shrines with the sole purpose of antagonizing neighbours in the region. But then, Abe's always had his own special way of interpreting things.

you really think Japan today is a country that will go on a murderous rampage around SE Asia again? yeh some of the stuff Abe and his croonies make me laugh and sick at the same time, but no way will the country be instigating a war any time soon.

Abe speaks of wanting peace during his trip.

Xi spoke of wanting peace during his speech today.

How about both men sit down and talk to each other instead at each other .

'It's just that the other Asian nations (read: SK and China) better learn to behave like grown adults instead of petty and petulant kids baiting and antagonizing Japan.'

I think there are 3 rather than 2 kids doing the 'baiting and antagonizing' here. I'm sure everyone can remember how many fights started in school by someone insulting the mothers of other pupils. On the other hand, I'm sure we can also remember pupils not being allowed to forget the time they soiled themselves in public. These countries are like peas in a pod.

Anyone who thinks japan now is the same nation it was 70 years ago needs to rethink things.

Abe will not be starting any wars, but if her allies need help then japan can now back them up and if any other nation read china Korea start trouble japan will be in a better position to defend herself and her allies.

Seriously all this banging on about japan wanting to start war is really immature, Abe is repositioning japan to enable it to defend its self better and support back up its allies, also the manufacture of arms is something that japan has wanted to do for along time, it has the technology and expertise and exporting this will help its economy.

Nice words from Abe, but actions speak louder than words.

I do believe that both Australia and Japan are working for peace , prosperity and both nations respect international law , the rule of law.

“Our desire is to make Japan a country that is all the more willing to contribute to peace in the region and beyond,” he said in his address, which was delivered in English."

Nice try, Abe.

The issues with Abe are twofold: first, he is not perceived by Japan’s neighbors as well as international community as a peace-pursuing politician based on his belligerent, nationalistic and revisionist records so far, secondly, Abe has made tons of pledges/promises from Fukushima nuclear disaster aftermath (his infamous deceiving statement ‘under control’ is a legendary example) to TPP pledge made to Obama admin, yet none of Abe’s pledges seemingly turned out to be delivered.

The point is that Abe has been proved to be one of the most untrusted leaders in the world at present moment even Japan’s long-term allies have doubts on him and thus keep eyes and ears on him for their own good.

In short, Abe can make all sorts of peace promises as he’d like, yet his credibility has been damaged by himself to the degree that not many people in the world believes his words.

**The sensitive issue of whaling was only briefly raised, with Abbott and Abe saying their differences over an annual hunting program would not detract from their closer friendship.

New Zealand and Australia hauled Japan before the International Court of Justice over its “scientific” whaling program in Antarctic waters, which led to a ruling in April that it was a commercial venture.**

Both are democratic country being, they settle differences between two countries by civilized manner. Communist Chinese Government and S. Korean Government should learn from Japanese - Australian relationship.

There's no reason to holding grudge against each other over past.

In Australian, majority of Australian peoples see as positive toward PM Abe trip to Australia.

The point is that Abe has been proved to be one of the most untrusted leaders in the world at present moment even Japan’s long-term allies have doubts on him and thus keep eyes and ears on him for their own good.

If you're talking about the U.S., the recent "reinterpretation" of Article 9 is not enough for they want more. As to the other countries EXCEPT SK and China, they have openly welcomed the change.

As Abbott stated, “Japan should be judged on its actions today, not on its actions 70-odd years ago, and Japan has been an exemplary, an exemplary international citizen in the post-war era,”

The perception of Japan by the two whiners (China and SK) are so far from global perspective that it's no wonder such compliments are never given to them by other countries.

"if any other nation read china Korea start trouble japan will be in a better position to defend herself and her allies"

Allies? I know Japan has a reluctant master, and a few hangers-on hoping for crumbs ... but who are its 'allies'?

Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Japan as “a very, very close friend”. ***Of course Abbot is taking advantage of ABE trying to muster support against China.

nigelboy Jul. 09, 2014 - 01:52AM JST If you're talking about the U.S., the recent "reinterpretation" of Article 9 is not enough for they want more. As to the other countries EXCEPT SK and China, they have openly welcomed the change.

PM Abe believes that Japan should be a “normal” country. Unfortunately, today's Japan is not a normal country. It will never be one while U.S. forces and bases continue to occupy its territory, and Japanese interests are subordinated to a clearly unequal relations in U.S.-Japan “alliance.”

The issues with Abe are twofold: first, he is not perceived by Japan’s neighbors

I'm sorry, all I hear is: "whiner (SK, PRC) believe X". Why don't you start again with countries the world cares about, Ethan.

PM Abe believes that Japan should be a “normal” country. Unfortunately, today's Japan is not a normal country. It will never be one while U.S. forces and bases continue to occupy its territory, and Japanese interests are subordinated to a clearly unequal relations in U.S.-Japan “alliance.”

sfjp330

The fact that U.S.-Japan security alliance was a one way street without the collective defense on the Japanese counterparts, one can conclude that U.S. interests were subordinated for they were merely a hired security guard for the past 50 plus years.

With the U.S. focus on Asia and OPCON to expire 2015, the alliance of U.S.-Japan becomes a key foundation.

“Because Japan has been a first class international citizen, I welcome its full participation in the family of nations.”

It is not a question of whether Japanese democratic institutions are working. Rather it is a debate about allowing Japan’s postwar military to fulfill the missions it has been assigned alongside its alliance partner and other national militaries under UN command. For the next year, we will also have a chance to see how the Japanese people respond to this question of reinterpretation of the Constitution. If Japan’s SDF uses force, it will need to do so with the full support of its public. Likewise, if the Japanese public expects the SDF to defend their nation, they will need to give them the latitude to do so effectively.

Abe and Japan can trust China and S Korea? It is about time Japan peacefully work with N Zealand, Australia and other Asian nations. Not necessarily with wars but enabling Japan export weapons to anti China nations. Scare China iand S Korea. USA? Which side USA will be with? China and S Korean coalition or other nations?

Good speech well spoken. Mich improved.

"The declaration irked China, Australia’s largest trading partner, which has a fractious relationship with Japan including tensions over disputed islands in the East China Sea."

When is China going to wake up? All of Imperial Japan's former enemies, the United States, Australia, even Russia refuse to "hate" Japan as China would like them to. Oh yes South Korea supports China, but then, South Korea was part of Imperial Japan in WWII and Korean soldiers were killing Chinese. China complains about being "contained: yet at every turn their actions, words and attitude towards the "international community" simply creates more alliances designed to contain their belligerence.

nigelboyJul. 09, 2014 - 01:52AM JST

"If you're talking about the U.S., the recent "reinterpretation" of Article 9 is not enough for they want more. As to the other countries EXCEPT SK and China, they have openly welcomed the change.

As Abbott stated, “Japan should be judged on its actions today, not on its actions 70-odd years ago, and Japan has been an exemplary, an exemplary international citizen in the post-war era,”

The perception of Japan by the two whiners (China and SK) are so far from global perspective that it's no wonder such compliments are never given to them by other countries."

Apparently, you missed my point which credited Abe for his deceiving, and untrustworthy behaviors. Based on what Abe has done, there is no convincing evidences showed Abe neither has crebility nor an interest in pursuing real peace with Japan’s neighbors. Whatever he said and says in terms of seaking peace have no real meaning.

Here is a picture of Asia Pacific right now looks like in case you missed: Abe is holding hand with Kim Jong-un, walking on a risky path, Xi entices Park Geun-hye with so called economic deals and Putin rekindles “old friendships” with Xi with an aim to counter the US while Uncle Sam watches all of those nonsenses with weary eyes.

Speaking of Uncle Sam, Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew are heading to Beijing for a new round of strategic talks as we are speaking. So there is no dull moment in geopolitics.

Apparently, you missed my point which credited Abe for his deceiving, and untrustworthy behaviors. Based on what Abe has done, there is no convincing evidences showed Abe neither has crebility nor an interest in pursuing real peace with Japan’s neighbors. Whatever he said and says in terms of seaking peace have no real meaning.

Nope. In this day and age, the reality of pursuing peace is to form alliances based on adherence of international law while at the same time being prepared to defend your nation as well as your key allies.

Again, we are talking about China and SK who still uses this outdated overused "historical" card for their own political tool while the rest of the world have moved on (see Ossan's post about Japan's past enemies forming alliances) so there has never been an "intent" by them to even have a mature diplomatic relations. Let them continue I say.

Nope. In this day and age, the reality of pursuing peace is to form alliances based on adherence of international law while at the same time being prepared to defend your nation as well as your key allies.

I'm sorry, but what do visiting a shrine devoted to war criminals, appointing far-right loons who deny WW2 atrocities, raising the specter of changing the comfort women apology, and ramming through a highly questionable secrecy law have to do with defending the nation? It's not just Article 9, many of Abe's actions are worrying to anyone who supports a free and open democracy.