The increasing tension in global politics in recent years has caused the competition between countries to intensify. Basically competition; It is lived between the United States (USA), Russia and China. However, there are also various examples of competition at the regional level. Examples include Japan-China, India-Pakistan, and Russia-Japan in Asia.
The main base in the middle of the mentioned examples is Central Asia. The regional states are trying to develop healthy relations and pursue a peaceful policy by staying away from the competition between the great powers with their multi-vector foreign policies. At this point, Central Asian states, which take into account the sensitivities of other countries, are turning into a center thanks to their peaceful attitudes and geopolitical positions.
Japan, one of the most important states of the Asia-Pacific Region, has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately 5 trillion dollars according to 2021 data[1]. Therefore, it can be said that China is one of the prominent actors not only at the regional level but also at the global level. This situation both pushes Japan to be interested in other regions and makes it valuable for regional actors to develop relations with Tokyo. On the other hand, Japan’s technological development and strong industry make this country an important ally.
In this context, Japan is involved in regional and global competition processes and makes various contacts to strengthen its hand. In this context, one of the regions that Japan is heading towards is Central Asia. Japan strengthens its relations with Central Asia in terms of both regional and bilateral relations.
On December 24, 2022, the 9th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held within the framework of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue under the chairmanship of Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan attended the meeting. At the meeting, the Japanese Minister stated that the Russia-Ukraine War had a negative impact on the world, especially in Central Asia, in terms of food and energy supply. For this reason, he emphasized the issue of making more human investments. This statement was warmly welcomed by Central Asian ministers who wanted to attract investment in the region.[2]
One of the issues that the states of the region are sensitive to is compliance with international law in order to ensure international peace and stability. In this context, Japan emphasizes that they will improve their relations and contribute to the international order by adhering to the United Nations Charter and other conventions within the framework of international law.[3]
Japan also develops its relations with Central Asian states in a bilateral dimension. In April 2022, Japanese Minister Hayashi visited Kazakhstan. During the meetings held within the scope of the visit, the expectations of the Kazakh-Japanese strategic partnership in trade, economy, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields and the relations between the parties were discussed. The trade volume between the parties is 1.1 billion dollars. In addition, Kazakhstan exports 558 million dollars; It imports 559 million dollars. At this point, it is seen that the trade between the parties is balanced.[4]
Japan also wants to deepen its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan. It is possible to say that there is a common view on investments among countries. In addition, Uzbekistan is of great importance because it is neighbor to Afghanistan. Because Afghanistan-based threats have the potential to harm both the Asian continent and the relations that Japan wants to develop with the region. In this respect, Uzbekistan wants Japan to participate in the process of solving regional problems through cooperation and dialogue.[5] One of the aims of Japan, which has relations with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan at various levels, is to reach underground riches, especially energy.
From the point of view of Japan-China rivalry, Beijing administration is concerned about the relations established by Tokyo administration with Central Asia. Because Beijing thinks that Tokyo has taken the steps taken with the aim of surrounding China and Russia.[6] However, China’s main concern is the possibility of intensifying economic competition. Because Japan has the potential to be an effective actor in the region with its 5 trillion-dollar economy and industrial power. The situation in question will force China to turn more towards Central Asia and increase its economic investments. However, when we look at the claims that it is experiencing economic problems, this competition will mean more costs for China.
As a result, Japan strengthens its bilateral and regional relations with Central Asia. Japan’s increasing interest in the region attracts the attention of its regional rivals such as China. This situation causes perceptions that the region will turn into a competitive center. However, the multi-vector foreign policies of the Central Asian states, which take care to stay away from conflicts, will prevent the region from turning into a competitive arena. Because the Central Asian states adopt an attitude based on mutual respect, both in their bilateral relations, in their regional relations and with various actors in international politics, within the framework of a win-win logic. Japan’s political, economic and historical ties for Central Asia are as important as its relations with China. In this context, the fact that the Japanese-Chinese rivalry is limited to bilateral relations and not reflected in the region will also strengthen the relations of Central Asia with these states.
[1] “GDP (current US$) – Japan”, The World Bank, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=JP, (Date of Accession: 29.12.2022).
[2] “The 9th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_003197.html, (Date of Accession: 29.12.2022).
[3] Aynı yer.
[4] “Kazakh President Discusses Expansion of Economic Cooperation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan”, The Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2022/04/kazakh-president-discusses-expansion-of-economic-cooperation-with-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-japan/, (Date of Accession: 29.12.2022).
[5] “Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Telephone Talk”, Prime Minister’s Office of Japan, https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/diplomatic/202206/_00003.html, (Date of Accession: 29.12.2022).
[6] Fan Anqi, “Japan-Led Meeting ‘Futile Attempt’ to Pit Central Asia against China and Russia”, Global Times, https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202212/1282518.shtml, (Date of Accession: 29.12.2022).
