This chapter exposes Japan’s delayed awareness of security threats from North Korea and China, highlighting Prime Minister Abe’s stance on deterrence, alliances, and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.

However, many citizens still do not face the reality of the threats posed by North Korea and China.
2018-01-03
What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Sakurai
The Sankei Shimbun first reported on the abduction issue in January 1980, but other newspapers did not.
Japan seems to have been immersed in the belief that if we remained quiet, other countries would not do us harm, but do you sense a change in public awareness?
Abe
I think understanding has deepened considerably, but there are still many people who believe it would be better to talk with North Korea.
Sakurai
We have been talking for quite a long time, haven’t we?
Abe
Simply talking with North Korea only allows them to buy time.
They must commit to completely abandoning their nuclear development program and dismantling it in a verifiable and irreversible manner.
I believe it is necessary to demonstrate that through concrete actions.
Nakarai
Until two or three years ago, I had almost no interest in politics and my thinking was naïve, but I realized that and felt I had to face reality.
However, many citizens still do not face the reality of the threats posed by North Korea and China.
Abe
China is our neighboring country and our largest trading partner.
It is undoubtedly beneficial for the people of both countries for Japan and China to maintain good relations, and Japan–China relations are certainly improving.
At the same time, it is also a fact that China is expanding its military power.
It would be fair to say the pace is quite rapid.
In the East China Sea and the South China Sea, China is attempting unilateral changes to the status quo.
However, I believe that responding in accordance with the rules shared by the international community is the path for China’s development.
To that end, it is important to work with the international community, based on the Japan–U.S. alliance, to encourage China to develop as a responsible power.
It is also important to present our concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” to the international community.
The framework for cooperation among Japan, the United States, Australia, and India, which share common values, is steadily taking shape.
Japan and Australia have come to have a relationship close to that of quasi-allies.
Together with countries that share universal values such as freedom, democracy, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law, stabilizing this region will undoubtedly be a positive outcome for all countries in the region, including China.
To be continued.