Written evidence submitted by HE Mr Yoshiji
Nogami, Ambassador of Japan
I am writing in response to your letter dated
22 November 2005 about the Foreign Affairs Committee's inquiry
into East Asia. I hereby attach a text of a speech given by Mr
Taro Aso, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on 7 December
2005[6].
This speech, "Asian Strategy as I see It", presents
Japan's views on recent developments in the region, including
the rise of China, and, I believe, is the latest and most relevant
material in view of your interest. The fact that Minister Aso
chose East Asia as the topic of his first policy speech demonstrates
the importance Japan attaches to the region. You may notice that
he unambiguously stated that "the rise of China is something
that we have been eagerly waiting for" (p 5).
For your information, I also enclose relevant
documents which summarize Japan's foreign policy towards Asia.
[7]
I trust that the Committee's inquiry will have
a positive impact on the policy debate concerning the region.
In this regard, it is particularly appropriate that Committee
members are planning a visit to China and other countries in East
Asia next year. I would think it really useful if you could stop
off in Japan in view of putting this issue in regional and international
context.
Let me also reiterate that I am always ready
to be at your service whenever and for whatever you need me. I
look forward to working closely with your Committee in the future.
HE Mr Yoshiji Nogami
Ambassador of Japan
16 December 2005
6 Not printed. See www.mofa.go.jplannounce.fm.aso.speech0512.html Back
7
Not printed. Back
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