Offshore samurai: vote on peacekeeping bill strengthens Miyazawa

Article Abstract:

Public approval of Japanese PM Kiichi Miyazawa rose sharply as parliament's upper house voted on a bill seeking to allow the Japanese Self-Defense Force to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. The opposition Social Democratic Party and Japan Communist Party tried to block the bill and were televised as they intentionally prolonged the proceedings for three days. Exhaustion prompted the oppositionists to abandon their tactics and an amended bill was passed by a 137-102 vote. The bill then goes for approval to the lower house, which is dominated by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan. Diet, Japan. Defense Agency

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Low key diplomacy: Miyazawa treads delicate path in region

Article Abstract:

Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa will be dealing with policy questionsregarding the role of Japan in Asia when he starts the first leg of his tour ofSoutheast Asia. The thawing of the Cold War has raised the question of US security role in the region and the increasing concern over China's regional power ambition. However, PM Miyazawa will stress in this broader context of geopolitical uncertainties the policy of continuity. This involves the maintainance of US presence in the region so as to allay concerns of Japanese imperial resurgence.

International relations, Japanese foreign relations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Southeast Asia Treaty Organization

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Shadow boxing: reform debate mirrors LDP power struggle

Article Abstract:

Conflict in Japan over political reform may be developing into a fight for control of the governing Liberal Democratic Party by two factions. The factions' leaders are Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa and former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who opposes reforming the multiple constituency system used to elect members to the lower house of parliament. Advocates of reform argue that this system fosters corruption. Nakasone's nationalistic opposition to change could influence Japan's domestic politics and relations with the US.

Management, Political reform, Liberal Democratic Party (Japan), Nakasone, Yasuhiro

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