But according to many sources in Tokyo, the real issue is political concerns over Taiwan. After Clinton's Shanghai declaration, Beijing wanted Tokyo to take the same step. Japan has refused to do so, however, saying Taiwan's ban from international organizations is unacceptable. Japan is hoping for a seat at the permanent Security Council of the United Nations, where Taiwan held China's seat from 1949 to 1971, until the Taiwan-based government was expelled and replaced by Beijing. For Japan, the North Korean missile has marked the end of a myth.
Japan is no longer safe and unexposed, as the financial crisis shows.
And it is time to look for allies, especially if they share the same economic, political and military concerns. Read the past commentaries here. European Internet Network Inc. All rights reserved. Join 1000's of paid subscribers who read more than just the headlines. Click Here to see other benefits.