Though cooperation on transportation should not have been that much of a problem either realistically or politically, the government officials in charge judged that it could not be done under existing laws. These are problems of inadequancies in the legal system and a lack of political leadership. There was no sense of a political will to provide visible cooperation.
Important international relations were handled relatively well, but the problem of presenting a future vision remains
Important international relations were handled relatively well. The passing of the guidelines for U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in the spring of 1999 was important for Japan-U.S. relations, as was the rallying of the Japanese economy. Following the visit of President Jiang Zemin to Japan. Japan-China relations were strained, but China avoided making them any worse, and they have shifted onto a more favorable footing. Russo-Japanese relations have actually regressed, but as most of the causes for this lie in Russia's internal affairs, there is little that can be done from the Japanese side to rectify the situation. There will be presidential elections in Taiwan and Russia in the year 2000. It is important to maintain a foreign policy that will not be upset by fluctuating situations.
Relations between Japan and Korea and between Japan and Southeast Asia have improved the most dramatically. Japan's handling of the Asian financial crisis was criticized at first, but when the actual framework for aid was put forward, such as the new Miyazawa plan, it was highly appraised. How can future issues establish and take advantage of this appraisal? Improved relations with Korea are the most important success for Japanese foreign relations in recent years. The initiative of President Kim Dae Jung played a major role, but the response of Prime Minister Obuchi was also important. An attempt must be made to build an even firmer foundation.
