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Japan' Role in Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation gist of the speech by Foreign Minister Kono

July 28, 1995

I. Understanding of the Situation in the Asia-Pacific

While some instability remains, the Asia-Pacific is increasingly stable politically and is developing dynamic interdependence in a wide range of fields. At the same time, the region is managing to preserve its traditional diversity. Given this, regional cooperation through APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and other fora contribute substantially to Asia-Pacific interdependence and a greater sense of shared identity.

II. Japan's Basic Thinking on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation

1. In promoting such regional cooperation, Japan will seek to be a force supporting democratic development and a force supporting stability.
2. There are three basic principles underlying the promotion of Asia-Pacific regional cooperation:
   
   
   1. That it strengthen region-wide interdependence,
   2. That it respect the region's diversity and make integrated, interlocking use of the various frameworks for cooperation, and
   3. That it be consistent with such broader global frameworks and principles as embodied in the United Nations and the WTO.
3. The countries with shared interests should consult on various issues involved in line with these principles. (Looking ahead to the Asia-Europe Meeting scheduled for next year, it is suggested the Asian side could well basically consist of ASEAN, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.)

III. Japanese Initiatives on Asia-Pacific Issues

1. Sustaining the Momentum for the Osaka APEC Meeting Along with making a vigorous effort on the APEC Action Agenda, Japan will exercise leadership to achieve other specific results such as accelerated implementation of the Uruguay Round Agreement.
2. Security Initiatives Japanese initiatives for enhanced regional security in the Asia-Pacific will include:
   
   
   1. Efforts to facilitate the smooth operation of the JapanU.S. security arrangements,
   2. Evaluation of the American, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese roles for regional security, and
   3. An offer to hold government-level meetings for the foreign policy and defense authorities from the ASEAN Regional Forum participants.

3. Initiatives for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-proliferation Given the importance of arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, these initiatives will include:
   
   
   1. Reaffirming Japan's commitment to providing personnel and financial contributions for KEDO,
      
   2. A statement deploring the resumption of nuclear testing by China and France, and
      
   3. Efforts to create a new Japanese capability for research and study on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation and educating the public on disarmament issues.

4. Strengthened Cooperation for Economic Liberalization and Political Reform Japan will provide broad-based, integrated, and effective support for market economization and democratization, including providing high-level advisors to assist the developing countries in drawing up key policies.
5. Intellectual Infrastructure Enhancement Initiatives A program will be proposed to facilitate intellectual exchanges and dialogue among researchers in the Asia-Pacific countries.