Security of Japan and Korean Unification.

摘要

Korea is a dagger pointed at Japan's heart as well as a bridge to the Asian mainland. Stability and non-hostility on the peninsula are critical for maintaining Japan's security. Many had predicted the collapse of North Korea. It is a safe assumption that unification will be achieved in the long term. A Korean unification has implications for Japan's security as follows. First a U.S.-leaning Korea is favorable for Japan. Second a neutral Korea is unfavorable for Japan but not critical to Japan as long as ties between Japan and the U.S. are firm. Third a China-leaning Korea is unfavorable. If China becomes aggressive with Korea it may be critical to Japan's security. The character of a unified Korea will be a complex functional equation. Japan hopes a new Korea is friendly if making efforts to support the project to unify the two Koreas is successful. Japan should also strengthen ties with the U.S. and build mutual understanding and trust with China.