The Abe administration’s policy about the Senkaku Islands and role theory

Abstract

The article shows the result of the research on foreign policy about the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands during the Second Abe administration. It focuses on Japan’s relations with the US and China. Role theory, centered on its key concept of national role conceptions (NRC) is used as a theoretical framework. Using Japanese and foreign political leaders’ statements, NRC analysis gives the opportunity to grasp the degree of consistency between those of Japan and those of the targeted countries. Three key Japan’s NRCs: protector of Japanese sovereignty; promotor of universal values; realist who aims to avoid exacerbating diplomatic relations with the neighboring countriesare found. This paper argues that Prime Minister Abe is determined to protect Japan’s sovereignty but his first aim to reinforce the administration over the islands has not been achieved. The US supports Japan’s administrative right but opposes any Japan’s behavior which destabilizes East Asian security environment. China claims its territorial right over the islands for historical reason and cannot compromise to maintain its domestic legitimacy. Abe increase Japan’s deterrent near the Senkaku Islands and promotes value-oriented diplomacy to in this region and to secure the sea lane which is vital for Japan’s economy. Abe says that he does not refuse a dialogue but it does mean Japan is willing to make a concession. As a result, the territorial dispute remains unresolved.