Japans Action Changes Asias Image
By Nehginpao Kipgen
Japan's humanitarian decision on Dec. 18 to accept refugees from military-ruled Myanmar (Burma) has significantly changed Asia's image. The move, which is unprecedented in the history of Japan, conveys a message to the international community that there is a country in Asia welcoming asylum seekers and refugees.
Japan's policy toward Myanmar has traditionally been one of engagement.
This principle was stated in uncertain terms by the then-Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto to leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in January 1997 when he said ``Japan does not feel international isolation is the optimal way to improve the domestic situation in Myanmar," adding, ``Japan thinks it important to give Myanmar incentives to behave in line with international norms by drawing it out as a member of the international community. Japan also thinks that ASEAN membership should not provide a smokescreen for oppression in Myanmar."
An engagement policy toward the Myanmarese military regime fundamentally differentiated Japan from many of her western allies, most notably the United States, given its isolationist policy.
These conflicting approaches have not helped the economic giants achieve their desired goals, but have prolonged military rule.
Japan's initial hope for the ASEAN leadership to address the situation in Myanmar has also turned out to be fruitless. Despite Japan's years of engagement, oppression in Myanmar continues unabated.
Recent arrests and the long prison sentences given to peaceful protesters indicated a failed strategy.
It is, however, intriguing to see that Japan simultaneously opens lines of communication with both the Myanmarese military regime and the pro-democracy opposition groups. Like many other nations, Japan has also endorsed the role of the United Nations secretary general's good offices.
With the political stalemate continuing to plague Myanmar, Japan's policy has seemingly vacillated in recent months. Japan's biggest Western ally, the United States, has also theoretically shifted its policy.
The U.S. Congress created a post for policy chief for Myanmar to increase pressure on the junta; the White House nominated Michael Green for the position on Nov. 10.
Noticeably, strained bilateral relations between Japan and Myanmar were witnessed in the aftermath of the 2007 uprising, which was popularly coined by many as the ``saffron revolution."
Japanese photo journalist Kenji Nagai was shot and killed by the Myanmarese military in broad daylight while covering the demonstration.
The troubling issue surfaced again in a Jan. 17 meeting between Japan's Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura and his Myanmarese counterpart, Nyan Win. Japan expressed its displeasure with the statement, ``The Japanese side has not been convinced yet by the account given by the Myanmar police."
If the humanitarian policy gets implemented, the Japanese government will accept about 30 Myanmarese refugees from Thailand, starting in 2010. This development not only surprises the international community, but also gives new hope to the Myanmarese democratic movement.
This bold decision makes Japan the first country in the region to launch such an initiative. Not only was the move welcomed by the Myanmarese democratic movement, but also by the chief of the U.N. humanitarian agency.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said, ``I am glad that Japan is starting with a small program. As such, I am confident that the pilot project will develop and expand into a regular and large program."
Japan's decision has broken the traditional perception that refugees are resettled only in Western countries. This sets a good example for many other Asian nations.
As long as Myanmar remains undemocratic and treats ethnic groups differently, there will be Myanmarese refugees.
Her status as an economic giant of Asia and the historical relationship of the two countries during Myanmar's independence struggle means Japan's involvement in Myanmar's transition to democracy is essential.
In the absence of a coordinated international approach, Myanmar's military leaders will continue to have the upper hand in suppressing the aspirations of the Myanmarese people.
Both engagement and sanction-imposing groups must come together to find an amicable solution to Myanmar's decades-old problems.
It is high time for the international community to realize that neither engagement nor sanctions alone ― without coordinated action ― are effective enough to bring about change in Myanmar.
Nehginpao Kipgen is the general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com) and a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004). He can be reached at nehginpao@yahoo.com