“The only way forward is to stand with Ukraine and thoroughly oppose Russia’s aggression.” We ask the former Japanese prime minister about Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine
served longer as prime minister than anyone in Japan’s history, holding the office from 2012-2020. He stepped down because of a chronic illness, but quickly returned to his Diet seat. He remains a formidable presence in Japanese politics. He commands the largest faction in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party . Many of his policy ideas have endured beyond his tenure.
In such circumstances, we are coming to realise that our own efforts and our own willpower are of the utmost importance when it comes to protecting our country. Some countries may send us weapons and support us, but except for our allies, there is no country that would fight alongside us. The idea was to trigger a wake-up call for how we think about nuclear deterrence. Japan is currently under extended deterrence, it has nuclear deterrence under the American nuclear umbrella. When Germany decided to share nuclear weapons, the Chancellor at that time wondered whether the country could ensure its own security by fully entrusting America.
If North Korea believes that America will not retaliate, the risk of a nuclear attack on Japan will rise. We must not let them believe that. To that end, it’s important for Japan and America to have thorough discussions and clarify that America will retaliate on our behalf.America is able to maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and implement its forward deployment strategy because Japan hosts American military bases and gives a home port to their aircraft carriers.
Japan likes to speak about an ideal world. But we must change our attitude of leaving all military matters to America. Japan must take responsibility for peace and stability, and do our utmost by working together with America to achieve it.You met with Vladimir Putin some 27 times. What advice would you offer on dealing with Putin now?I don’t think there are many options left in this situation.
We reached an agreement in Singapore, and then there was progress at the Buenos Aires meeting. But unfortunately, even he does not have complete dictatorial power, and even he cannot decide everything. I believe he hesitated in the face of strong opposition. Almost everyone except him was against the peace treaty or against proceeding with negotiations to resolve the territorial issue. It may also have to do with how his approval rating was on the decline.
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