【直言】(英語版)首相は今こそダライ・ラマと会見を |
国家基本問題研究所の「今週の直言」に書いた拙稿の英訳版が英語版ホームページに載ったので、ここにも転載しておく。
日本語原文は、「首相は今こそダライ・ラマと会見を」の題で下記にある。
http://island.iza.ne.jp/blog/entry/3210509/
Japan Institute for National Fundamentals
Speaking out 【#217】
October 21, 2013
It’s Time for PM Abe to Meet Dalai Lama
Yoichi Shimada
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he extremely regrets his failure to visit Yasukuni Shrine when he first headed the Japanese government from 2006 to 2007. This may be true. His view that a prayer for the war dead should not be politicized in domestic or international politics is right.
So, it was again a matter for regret that Abe failed to visit the shrine during its annual spring and autumn festivals, namely the most natural way, this year. The prime minister must take some action to sweep away doubts that may have been caused about his remarks by not making difficult decision to visit the shrine. He will shortly get an ideal opportunity to act.
“U.S. opposition” cannot be used as an excuse
On November 15, Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama will arrive in
Recently, some people around the prime minister including former and current Foreign Ministry officials, alert to Abe’s long-standing positions, have frequently used the card of “
The
Therefore, the
Follow
Former Japanese Ambassador to China Yuji Miyamoto says in his recent book: “German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s meeting with the Dalai Lama had little impact on Germany-China relations. But then French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s meeting with him had a serious impact. Diplomats in
In essence, that impacts differ depending on prior procedures is the advice from a veteran foreign ministry official. Abe can openly invite the Dalai Lama to the prime minister’s office after giving a prior notice to Chinese leaders.
The Dalai Lama represents not only the Tibetan but also people who suffer from and resist the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown. To counter the “history card” used by anti-Japan forces in dealing with Japan, the Japanese government should complain against China’s ongoing human rights violations as well as refuting their historical perceptions. Nevertheless, the Japanese government has shied away from doing so. An incumbent prime minister’s meeting with the Dalai Lama, though being too late, could be a psychological turning point for
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will make an official visit to
Yoichi Shimada is Planning Committee Member, Japan Institute for National Fundamentals, and Professor at Fukui Prefectural University.