Abe Shinzo New Nationalism and the Future of Sino-Japanese Relations
January 29, 2007
To many observers the election of the "hawkish" 52-year old Abe
Shinzo as Prime Minister by the National Diet on September 26, 2006
appeared to complete Japan's transition from the "penitent" pacifism
that defined its policy towards China during much of the four decade
long Cold War to a new era of assertive nationalism. In his first
policy address to a joint meeting of both houses of the Diet on
September 29, 2006, Abe pledged to bring about a "beautiful" Japan based
on traditional culture and values, and "a country that is trusted,
respected, and loved in the world, and which demonstrates leadership.
