Former Prime Minister Hatoyama and “dual diplomacy” with Iran: the nuclear and energy issue
Former Prime Minister Hatoyama and “dual diplomacy” with Iran: the nuclear and energy issue
Joachim de Villiers and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
The former leader of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, appears to be involved in “dual diplomacy” and showing a lack of respect for the ruling party of Japan. His actions have alarmed people within this country and outside because it shows a lack of clarity within the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). This certainly applies to the importance of Hatoyama within the ruling party and because he is a key advisor within the government of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
It is abundantly clear that Japan’s imports of energy from Iran are highly valued and needed at the present time. After all, the nuclear sector within Japan is still being hindered by the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. Therefore, energy politics are very important given the delicate nature of events in the Middle East and because of the anti-Iran policies of President Obama.
From this point of view, it is clear why Hatoyama is extremely concerned and this applies to the ongoing impasse involving Iran and segments of the international community, which are worried about Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies any wrongdoing and also rebukes nations like America, France, and the United Kingdom, because of their double standards. This notably applies to Israel being a nuclear power and the fact that India and Pakistan joined the nuclear club yet little outside pressure was put on these nations to abandon their nuclear ambitions.
Also, Iran will point to the fact that all five permanent members of the United Nations have nuclear weapons. This applies to America, China, France, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom. Therefore, from the point of view of Iran then where is the credibility of these nations which desire to keep their respective monopoly of power?
The issue is clearly not about democracy because the government of China isn’t democratic and it would appear that issues related to safety are not at the top of the ladder. After all, in Pakistan this nation faces many internal problems because of the power of various radical Sunni Islamic movements which seek to usurp the government of Pakistan. This means that Pakistan should be at the top of the agenda because of internal instability. Similarly, the containment policy of preventing nuclear military proliferation was weakened by the reality of what India and Pakistan did because neither nation was isolated.
Turning back to Hatoyama then he stated that “I am acting, thinking about what contributes to the national interest….I did not send any message different than the government…” If so, then why was Hatoyama rebuked by members within the DPJ?
Osamu Fujimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary, criticized Hatoyama for holding talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who is the leader of Iran. It is reported that Fujimura stated that Hatoyama “…should not have made the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord…”
Koichiro Gemba, Foreign Minister, stated that Hatoyama must “act prudently so as not to result in dual diplomacy that would be different from the government’s policy.” However, the trip certainly appears to be “dual diplomacy” because according to Hatoyama he is “thinking about what contributes to the national interest.” Yet it is clear that important members within the DPJ are upset by his actions and this doesn’t look good for Prime Minister Noda.
Iran is clearly a political minefield irrespective of the hypocrisy of some nations. However, the internal and external angle to this nation isn’t for Japan to become involved in because Iran and Japan have good relations. The same applies to Japan being forced into a corner with regards to energy supplies from Iran because this issue should only belong to Japan and not President Obama.
Yet the visit of Hatoyama to Iran is baffling because his visit is painting a picture of the DPJ which states “confusion” and “dual diplomacy.” This isn’t good for the DPJ and clearly it isn’t in the national interests of Japan to look splintered and enacting a dual diplomacy.
The Strait of Hormuz is very important for Japan because of the energy supplies which pass through this area on their way to Japan. Therefore, political leaders in Tokyo can’t be forced into a corner by America and cordial relations are needed between Iran and Japan. From this point of view, it is understandable why Hatoyama is so concerned but he should have only visited Iran on the condition that he was supported fully by Prime Minister Noda. This wasn’t the case therefore the dual policy of Hatoyama can’t be supported because of his influence within the ruling party.
