Masthead graphic based on a painting by Gudrun Thriemer.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Ramesh Jaura and Kawakami Osamu, "Japan Seeks to Outbid China in Quest for African Support," Japan Focus, June 1, 2008.


"In the future, Africa will become a powerful engine driving the growth of the world."
Fukuda Yasuo


The government planned to include a statement in the Yokohama Declaration to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent from current levels by 2050. However, the government withdrew this provision after encountering fierce opposition from South Africa, a major polluter.
Kawakami Osamu


Two reports follow on the vast, and vastly expensive, Tokyo International Conference on African Development designed to showcase Japan’s aid to Africa. The conference, held in Yokohama with the presence of 51 of 53 African nations, was attended by 40 Presidents of African nations. The first report by Ramesh Jaura concentrates on the proposed Japanese aid package, as Japan proposes to double both trade and investment in Africa within five years. The second report by the Yomiuri Shimbun's Kawakami Osamu highlights the real stakes for Japan: the effort to outbid China whose burgeoning trade, investment and presence in Africa is a cause of Japanese, and the continued pursuit of the chimera of a Japanese UN security council seat. Neither report mentions either oil and energy or military strategic issues. Mark Selden, Coordinator of Japan Focus


Read both articles here =>
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