アジア外交 膨張する中国とどう向き合う

The Yomiuri Shimbun(Aug. 26, 2009)
China, Asia policy vital part of election debate
アジア外交　膨張する中国とどう向き合う（8月26日付・読売社説）

In the campaign for Sunday's House of Representatives election, the contending political parties have all touted their policies on Asian issues, but what voters really want to hear about is how the parties intend to fulfill their campaign promises and what actions the parties will take to solve the problems at hand.
　衆院選では、各党ともアジア外交を重視する姿勢を打ち出している。だが、有権者が知りたいのは、公約実現に向けた道筋や、目の前にある懸案への具体的な処方箋(せん)である。

In its manifesto, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan promises to create an East Asia Community. The central plank in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Asia platform is to tie Japan's economic growth to that of Asia. New Komeito, the LDP's ruling coalition partner, also touts the promotion of economic integration in Asia.
　民主党は政権公約で、「東アジア共同体」の構築を目指すとしている。自民党は、アジア全体の経済成長を日本の成長につなげる政策を柱に据える。公明党もアジア地域の経済統合推進を掲げる。

East Asia consists of several countries with a broad spectrum of political systems. It is a realistic choice to move toward economic partnership among them as a first step toward closer integration. Sixteen countries, including India and Australia, plan to soon start discussing an East Asian economic partnership agreement.
　東アジアは政治体制の異なる多様な国々から成る。経済連携を先行させるのは現実的な選択だろう。インド、豪州を含む１６か国による「東アジア経済連携協定」の検討も近く始まる予定だ。

There are many problems to overcome to achieve such an agreement. Negotiations between Japan and Australia on a free trade agreement faltered over liberalization in the agricultural sector. Negotiations with India and South Korea also are sluggish and have made little progress.
　だが、課題は多い。日本と豪州の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉は、農業分野の貿易自由化が障害となって全く進んでいない。インド、韓国との交渉も停滞気味だ。

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Farm policy vs trade policy

The DPJ modified the expression in its manifesto concerning a Japan-U.S. free trade agreement after opposition from agricultural organizations. It is difficult to harmonize domestic agricultural policies and trade liberalization.
　民主党が、日米ＦＴＡに関する政権公約の表現を農業団体の反発を受けて修正したように、国内農政と貿易自由化をどう調和させるかは難しい問題だ。

If political parties intend to promote the idea of creating an East Asia Community or the importance of economic partnership, they should clearly explain to voters how they will overcome these obstacles.
　共同体や経済連携を公約に掲げるのなら、こうした具体的課題にどう取り組むかも語るべきだ。

Among Asian issues, of particular importance is Japan's relationship with China in light of China's emergence as both an economic and military superpower. All the parties call for strengthening ties with China, but none outline specific measures for accomplishing this goal.
　中でも肝心なのが対中関係だ。経済、軍事両面で大国化する中国とどう向き合うか。各党とも対中関係の強化を掲げているが、具体性に乏しい。

It is natural for Japan to develop closer economic ties with China, but the nation must consider ways to safeguard its intellectual property rights and protect itself against the kind of widespread production of knock-off merchandise and pirated DVDs rampant in China.
　経済関係を緊密化していくのは当然としても、模造品の横行やＤＶＤの違法コピーなど知的財産権の侵害をどうやって防ぐか。

As Japan largely depends on China for its food, it also is important to ensure food safety. There has been no progress in clarifying what happened in the food poisoning cases involving frozen gyoza dumplings made in China.
　多くの食材を中国に依存している中で、「食の安全」を担保することも大事だ。中国製冷凍ギョーザによる中毒事件も、依然、解明が進んでいない。

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Numerous pressing concerns

In addition, there are many other pressing issues between the two countries, including treaty negotiations for a joint gas field development project in the East China Sea and securing a stable supply of rare metals from China.
　ほかにも、東シナ海のガス田共同開発に向けた条約交渉、レアメタル（希少金属）の安定供給確保など、懸案は山積している。

China's rapid military buildup also is a vital issue for East Asia.
　中国軍の増強も、この地域にとって大きな懸念材料だ。

China's defense spending has grown by double-digit percentages for 21 consecutive years. Chinese naval vessels are expanding their operational areas south into the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. China makes no secret of its intention to construct an aircraft carrier.
　国防費は２１年連続で２ケタの伸びを示し、海軍の活動範囲は太平洋やインド洋まで拡大している。空母建造への意欲も隠さない。

It is necessary to tenaciously urge China to be more open about its military policy, including the reasons behind its military buildup--whether, for example, it is only for national defense or for securing sea lanes.
　単に国防や海上輸送路の確保が目的なのか。その意図を含めて、軍事面の透明性を高めるよう、中国に対して粘り強く働きかける必要がある。

In addition to relations with China, there are other points of contention over Asian policy in the election, including how to handle the threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. There is limited time before voting day, but we hope that the political parties will deepen their debate over foreign policy in Asia to address these vital issues.
　対中関係以外にも、北朝鮮の核・ミサイルの脅威にどう備えるかなど論点は数多くある。投票日まで残り少ないが、議論を掘り下げてもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2009)
（2009年8月26日01時23分 読売新聞）