DIPLOMATIC BLUEBOOK
1991
Japan's Diplomatic Activities
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, JAPAN
This publication is the English translation of the "Gaiko-Seisho (Diplomatic Bluebook) 1991," originally published in Japanese.
The Diplomatic Bluebook is a report which the Japanese Foreign Ministry publishes annually for the reading of the Japanese public. The period which the 1991 Bluebook covers is, in principle, from August 1990 to July 1991. Given the significant implications for the world of the developments in the Soviet Union in August, 1991, some observations on these developments have been added.
The Foreign Ministry hopes that this publication will help those readers abroad who are interested in Japan to deepen their understanding of foreign policy and diplomatic activities of Japan.
On Publishing the 1991 Diplomatic Bluebook
The Gulf Crisis, which began with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, was settled through the unified action of the international community, with the United Nations playing a major role. The movement toward democracy that started in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989 has permeated among many countries, leading to the historical change of the collapse of the Communist domination in the Soviet Union. While the Cold War structure which regulated the post-war international community has come to an end, a new international order has not been clearly identified as yet. Moreover, the international community is still faced with unpredictable problems including disputes and confrontations among countries and nations, poverty, suppression as well as deterioration of the global environment. We must build a new international order by overcoming these problems through international cooperation.
Here, Japan has become a nation that can give major impact on any of such problems that are related to the fundamentals of the future international order. All the more, it has become important for Japan to exhibit its own philosophy to the international community and to take positive action to realize universal ideals.
As integration of domestic and foreign policies is progressing today, for Japan to fulfill its responsibilities and roles commensurate with its national strength, the support of its people has become even more important. It would be most gratifying if this Diplomatic Bluebook could help deepen the understanding of the nation on the trends of the world situation as well as on Japan's foreign policy and diplomatic activities.
December 1991
Michio Watanabe
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Chapter I. Changing World and Japan's Foreign Policy
Section 1. Underlying Current of Changes
Section 2. Objectives and Priorities of Japan's Foreign Policy
Chapter II. The Gulf Crisis and Japan's Foreign Policy
Section 3. Japan's Response to the Post-Gulf Crisis Problems
Section 4. The Hostage Problem
Chapter III. Japan's Role in the International Community
Section 1. Ensuring World Peace and Stability
2. Ensuring Peace and Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region
3. Contribution to Stability through Economic Cooperation
4. The Role of the United Nations and Japan's Contribution
5. Promotion of Arms Control and Disarmament
Section 2. Securing Global Prosperity
1. Current Situation and Challenges in the World Economy
2. Policy Coordination among Industrialized Countries and Japan's Policy Efforts
3. Strengthening the Multilateral Free Trade System
4. Coping with the Energy Problem
5. East-West Economic Relations
6. Economies of the Developing Countries
7. Expansion and Improvement of the Official Development Assistance (ODA)
8. Cooperation on Science and Technology
Section 3. Coping with Global Issues
Section 4. The International Community and Japan
1. In Harmony with the International Community
2. Promoting International Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
Chapter IV. Regional Situations and Relations with Japan
Section 5. Latin America and the Caribbean
Chapter V. Institution for Foreign Policy Execution
1. Speeches by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister at the National Diet
2. Major Speeches Delivered Abroad by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister
(4) Statement by Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama at the Conference on Disarmament (June 6, 1991)