The process of foreign policymaking in Japan: The case of its relations with China

The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze and explain the policy-making process of the Japanese government as reflected in its relations with China. Using an events-analysis approach, this study will create a typology contrasting cases in which the government is divided on an issue and cases in which no division exists. Three events have been chosen: peace treaty negotiations in 1974–78, the textbook controversy in 1982, and the Tiananmen incident in 1989.; When the ruling coalition is unified, Foreign Ministry officials enjoy a relatively free hand in shaping the nation's foreign policies without interference either from politicians or from other ministries. Few powerful interest groups take part in the process. Thus, the Foreign Ministry is able to promote pragmatic decisions. The policy process is relatively short.; However, when the bureaucracy and/or the ruling party are split, the divisions invite interference from many highly political and well organized groups. The issue becomes so volatile and rivalries within the ruling coalition so antagonistic that responsibility over the matter is relinquished by administrative agencies and given over to political leaders. Consequently, such a case becomes pluralistic, and the process protracted.; The maintenance of good relations with China is fundamental to Japanese foreign policy. Each incident discussed in this study demonstrates how Japanese officials are at great pains to achieve a result amenable to Beijing. When hawkish Liberal Democrats obstruct friendly overtures to China, political leaders make every effort to placate those militants. Still, Tokyo's overriding object remains conciliation with Beijing.; In addition, this study suggests that neither domestic opposition groups nor foreign influences, when acting independently, are sufficient to secure their preferred policy outcomes. Opposition from domestic groups outside the ruling coalition, unless allied with foreign influence, is often ignored by the government. On the other hand, it is crucial for any external actor to find allies among conservative ranks if it wishes to influence successfully the decisions of the Japanese government.