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[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida maintained the existing Japanese government stance by using almost the same words as during the Yoshihide Suga administration regarding the current issues in Japan-South Korea conflicts in his speech to the National Diet on the 8th.

In his policy speech to the National Diet that afternoon, Prime Minister Kishida stated, "South Korea is an important neighboring country," and added, "To restore a sound relationship, we will strongly demand appropriate responses from the South Korean side in accordance with our country's consistent position."

This was Prime Minister Kishida's first speech to the National Diet since taking office on the 4th.

In Japan, it is customary for a newly inaugurated prime minister to deliver a policy speech to the National Diet revealing their basic recognition of pressing political issues.

Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who took office in September last year, also stated in his policy speech on October 26 of the same year, "South Korea is a very important neighboring country," and "To return to a sound Japan-South Korea relationship, we will strongly demand appropriate responses (from South Korea) in accordance with our country's consistent position."

In his policy speech to the National Diet in January this year, former Prime Minister Suga defined South Korea as an "important neighboring country," a phrase that Prime Minister Kishida also retained.

Prime Minister Kishida's remark that he will "strongly demand appropriate responses from the South Korean side" is interpreted as an intention to pressure South Korea to present acceptable solutions regarding contentious issues such as the compensation lawsuits for forced laborers during Japanese colonial rule and comfort women.

Regarding the issue of Japanese abducted by North Korea, Kishida emphasized it as "the most important task" and said, "We will do our utmost to realize the early return of all abductees, even if only one day sooner." He also stated, "I myself am determined to meet directly with Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea), unconditionally."

He presented "diplomacy and security that protect the people" as the basic policy for diplomacy and security, declaring, "I am determined to uphold universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized, "We will strongly promote a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' by linking with allies and partners including the United States, Australia, India, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and Europe, while utilizing the Quad (United States, Japan, Australia, India)."

The free and open Indo-Pacific initiative led by the United States and Japan is strongly aimed at countering China's expanding maritime presence.

He said, "The cornerstone of diplomacy and security policy is the Japan-U.S. alliance," and pledged, "I will take the lead in elevating the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world, to an even higher level."

Prime Minister Kishida also stated, "Building a stable relationship with China is important for both countries, as well as for the region and the international community," and expressed, "While cooperating with countries that share universal values, we will assert what needs to be asserted to China, strongly demand responsible behavior, and continue dialogue to cooperate on various common challenges."

Regarding Russia, he said, "There will be no peace treaty (between Russia and Japan) without resolving territorial issues," and added, "We aim to develop the overall Russia-Japan relationship, including the conclusion of a peace treaty, by building trust between leaders."

Russia and Japan, which fought as enemies during World War II, have yet to conclude a peace treaty due to a territorial dispute over the Southern Kuril Islands (called the Northern Territories in Japan).

On constitutional revision, Prime Minister Kishida said, "The National Referendum Act, which stipulates the constitutional amendment procedure, has been revised," and added, "I hope that after each political party presents its views in the Diet's constitutional examination committee, constructive discussions beyond party lines will be actively deepened into national debate."

He also expressed his intention to revise the National Security Strategy, the Defense Guidelines, and the Mid-Term Defense Program.

Prime Minister Kishida stated, "We will boldly respond to new era challenges such as strengthening defense capabilities including maritime security capabilities and more effective missile defense measures, as well as economic security."

The National Security Strategy, the framework for diplomacy and security policy, was drafted in December 2013 during the second Shinzo Abe administration, and this is the first time Prime Minister Kishida has expressed his intention to revise it.

The Defense Guidelines are drafted with a period of about ten years in mind, and the Mid-Term Defense Program is revised every five years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.