Author: Yusuke Ishihara, ANU

Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie recently issued a joint press statement which outlines a list of practical collaborations planned between Chinese and Japanese militaries, following their bilateral defence meeting in Tokyo on November 21. Its most noteworthy component is their plan to conduct joint maritime rescue exercises and explore other forms of military-to-military communications and exercises, including humanitarian and disaster relief exercises.

What does this new agreement indicate about Hatoyama’s China policy? One could assume that the agreement is a small but clear step by the new DPJ-led coalition government towards an improved Sino-Japanese relationship. Read more…