Politician · policy

Taro Kono on Foreign Policy

Indo-Pacific Pragmatist (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Taro Kono advocates for a robust, rules-based Indo-Pacific order, strengthening alliances while maintaining economic pragmatism.

Key Points

As Foreign Minister, he focused diplomatic efforts on six priority areas, including strengthening ties with the US and enhancing relations with neighboring countries like China and the ROK.
He strongly supports the Trans Pacific Partnership and has invited Latin American and Caribbean countries to join the TPP11 after the US withdrawal.
He has proposed expanding security groupings by including Japan in AUKUS to form a potential "JAUKUS" and considering an Asian equivalent to NATO.

Summary

Taro Kono, during his tenure as Foreign Minister, framed Japan's foreign policy around strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance while simultaneously promoting an Asia-Centric approach, often stressing cooperation with neighbors like South Korea. He has been an emphatic proponent of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, viewing the maintenance of a free and open maritime order based on international law as central to regional stability and prosperity. Furthermore, he has expressed a desire for Japan to become a proactive global "beacon" rather than a "follower" in addressing international challenges, including disarmament and climate change.

His approach has shown an evolution, particularly concerning China, which he described as a definite "security threat" while serving as Defense Minister, contrasting with his more cautious language as Foreign Minister. Kono supports amending Article 9 of the Constitution to allow the Self-Defense Forces to engage in warfare and seeks revisions to the Status of Forces Agreement with the US. He has also expressed a willingness to expand security frameworks, proposing the inclusion of Japan in AUKUS to create a potential "JAUKUS."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taro Kono's core position on Japan's foreign policy direction?

Taro Kono generally favors a foreign policy that strengthens the Japan-U.S. Alliance while simultaneously emphasizing regional engagement, particularly through an Asia-Centric approach, according to his statements as Foreign Minister in 2018. He is a proponent of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, aiming for Japan to be a proactive global leader.

Has Taro Kono's stance on China changed over time?

Yes, Taro Kono's public stance on China has reportedly evolved. While serving as Foreign Minister, he was careful not to label China as a threat, preferring 'grave concern'; however, he later described China as a 'security threat' while in his role as Defense Minister in September 2020.

What is Taro Kono's view on Japan's security and alliances?

Taro Kono advocates for strengthening security partnerships with allies like the US, Australia, and South Korea, and supports revising Article 9 of the Constitution to allow the Self-Defense Forces to engage in warfare. He also publicly supported Japan eventually joining AUKUS, suggesting the acronym could become 'JAUKUS' in May 2023.