David Walton

Australia and Japan: Towards a New Security Partnership?

This paper assesses the impact of recent upgrades in security ties between Australia and Japan and their implications for the bilateral relationship. In particular, the development and future of the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC) is assessed. It is argued that former Prime Ministers Abe and Howard encouraged the enhancement of security ties to unprecedented new highs, but that the rise of China and leadership change in Japan and Australia in 2007 will make the prospects of a full security treaty unlikely.

Future directions in Australia-Japan relations : an Australian perspective

This article offers an Australian perspective on future directions in Australia–Japan relations. An attempt is made to identify issues that will have a bearing on the bilateral relationship over the next five years and beyond at the national level. There is not any likelihood of a substantial rupture or change in relations in the short-term. The continuation of a stable, close and dynamic relationship in the mid to long-term, however, will depend on how both countries conduct their respective foreign policies towards China.1

Japan and East Timor: Implications for the Australia-Japan relationship

The paper examines the Japanese position on East Timor and highlights tension in bilateral relations between Australia and Japan on East Timor during the year 1999. The sources of tension were over leadership, appropriate policy towards Indonesia and the style of diplomacy conducted by Australia. In many respects the tension over East Timor shook complacency in bilateral relations. By January 2001 tension was resolved and bilateral ties have been strengthened in the areas of security and regional cooperation. What does this episode reveal about the bilateral relationship? Quite clearly, and despite the depth of networks that have been established over the decades, there was insufficient consultation on East Timor. In part, the extraordinary events that unfolded after the results of the ballot in East Timor were announced on 4 September 1999 and Australias leadership role in the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) can explain the lack of consultation. Also, a drift in relations that had been evident for several years was a significant factor. Finally, the paper argues that despite the substantial improvement in bilateral relations, policy towards Indonesia will remain a potential source of friction between the two countries.

China and Japan in Australian Foreign Policy

In the final chapter, David Walton analyzes Australia’s foreign policy approaches to Japan and China. He perceives that Australia has a “China paradox” which reflects tensions in the pursuit of twin national interests : “Australia promotes closer ties with China to enhance commercial and economic ties and subsequent benefits to the Australian economy, yet paradoxically views China as a potential security threat to regional security.” Walton notes: “In stark contrast, the relationship with Japan has been one of alignment due to trade complementarity and shared values with the United States.” He also points out that the security dimension of the relationship has been the most remarkable aspect of Australia–Japan relations in recent years. Walton also gives a fascinating account of the ongoing debate within Australia—can a hedging strategy towards China (engaging with China while also balancing China) be maintained? He notes that some analysts in Australia have also raised the following question: should Australia develop closer ties with China at the expense of relations with the United States and Japan? Walton concludes: “Current policies, which include a genuine engagement with China while maintaining a close security alliance with the United States and developing closer security ties with Japan, suggest that Australia will be pursuing a hedging strategy for the foreseeable future.”

Tomohito Shinoda, Contemporary Japanese Politics: Institutional Changes and Power Shifts

The 1955 system of politics in Japan, which saw LDP political domination and perpetually weak and dis-unified opposition parties, fostered assumptions about an iron triangle of big business, LDP an...

Australian foreign policy towards Japan : weighing the bureaucratic process

Australian foreign policy towards Japan has been based on the strategic importance of Japan to Australia’s national interests. To understand how these interests have been addressed and have evolved, particular attention should be directed towards the bureaucratic processes underlying the cultivation of Japanese ties. The role of policy networks, the institutionalisation of the bureaucratic process and the pivotal role of the prime minister is examined here. How these processes and roles have evolved over the past few decades is assessed. The chapter argues that middle-power activism as pursued by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stretched bureaucratic resources in Canberra and reduced overall Australian attention on Japan.

The Role of Prime Ministers in Australia–Japan Relations: Howard and Rudd

Abstract In the post-war period Australian Prime Ministers have played a proactive role in formulating foreign policy towards Japan. This paper explores the role of executive leadership towards Japan and its impact on the bilateral relationship. The Howard period and current Rudd-led initiatives on whaling, nuclear disarmament, climate change and regional architecture are discussed.