Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s Multilateral Role Conception and US and China Policies

Abstract

Promotion of multilateralism has been one of key Japanese roles. It is not limited to support to the United Nations but also related to the promotion of global and regional free trade in Asia-Pacific. This article shows the result of a research based on Japanese, United States, and Chinese political leaders’ statements and behaviors related to economic multilateralism during the second Abe administration. The research uses role theory as a theoretical framework. This article proves that Prime Minister Abe has consistently endorsed multilateralism, deepening economic ties both Asia-Pacific and European countries by examining Japanese, US, and Chinese political leaders’ speeches, interviews, and remarks on the media. His foreign policy does not indicate unilateralism or dismissal of international cooperation because he perceives multilateralism is essential for Japan’s prosperity and security. In addition, Abe does not break the ties with the US but it is difficult to say that Japan-China relations improved during his tenure. This is because China’s influence will grow and the importance of Japan will relatively decline in Asia-Pacific.