Cultural and Economic Interactions between Australia and Japan - Essay Example

Cultural and Economic Interactions between Australia and Japan In this globalized world, the nations have changed the ways and modified their policies to enter into the economic and cultural interactions with other nations. Different economies of the world are moving on the roads of economic growth with their own unique characteristic patterns taking advantage of the offers of globalization. These economies are more open, diverse, extremely competitive, and are using latest technologies to their advantage to give boost not only to their economy but also to their linkage with the rest of the world and attain the status of economic power. Although these changes are being seen in almost many nations of the world and especially between the Australia and United States yet ever growing developing relationship between Australia and Japan has its roots in the historical relationship between Europe and Asia with Australia being placed in the most appropriate geographical location. In the 1970’s debate on the issue whether Australia is a part of Asia stirred the political scene of both the nations and it is not sure whether the issue is resolved or not, but Australia is being considered as altogether different continent. However if we consider in a geopolitical sense, Australia belongs neither to Western nor Asian, therefore Australia spans both the worlds. John Howard was quite right when he said that, “Australia does not have to choose between its history and geography: Australia draws unique strength from the interaction of its history and geography”. (Thakur, Online Edition) The economic links between the Europe and North America increase the value of Australia in the eyes of Asian countries. Late nineteenth century saw the relationship between the Australia and Japan to grow and during Australian Federation in 1901, around 3000 Japanese were residing in Australia. But the immigration act of 1902 restricted the non-Europeans to obtain residency status in Australia. This act came to be known as “White Australia Policy”, posing virtually impossible for non- Europeans to be privileged to settle in Australian soil resulting in the number of Japanese residents to decrease and by 1945, all the remaining Japanese returned back to Japan. To add to the woes, the Australian delegate to the Paris Peace Conference during 1919 to 1921, William Morris Hughes opposed voraciously the Japanese attempt to bring forth a racial nondiscrimination clause into the Versailles Treaty. This led to the estranged relationship between the Japan and Australia. (Stockwin, 13) In mid thirties, Japan was considered to be the second largest export market but by 1936, when British coaxed Australia to reduce imports of Japanese textiles, it hampered trade relationship between the two. Between the years 1941 and August 1945, Japan and Australia entered into major conflict. Despite the estranged relationship between the two, the efforts were being made to maintain cordial trade relationship and soon in 1957, the Agreement of Commerce was signed to increase trade relations between Australia and Japan and by 1970, Japan became the largest market for Australian goods. By 1980’s and 1990’s, relationship deepened more and many Japanese companies began to invest in the tourist sectors of Australia but this investment caused opposition from locals and their scheme ‘Multi-Function Polis’ (Stockwin, 14) too did not materialize and as Drysdale said that a preference for bilateral arrangements over multilateral arrangements became a norm. In his own words, “The foundation for regional cooperation with Japan rests on the strength of our bilateral relationship. But it is a relationship that has outgrown the framework that gave birth to it. A new framework is required to encompass interests in investment, services, the information economy, education and research, as well as trade in commodities and merchandise.”(Stockwin, 14) Besides there was also concern for Australia getting isolated owing to the increase in dominance of the major players and regional blocs? Despite of certain setbacks, economic relationship between Australia and Japan continued to grow with several companies making their mark in Australia and have been contributing towards the development of Australia especially in manufacturing and tourism sectors. (Gilbert & Tompkins 269) Japan was a growing economy and Australia saw it as the most important export market with lot of potential for its economic growth. On the other hand, Japan considered Australia as the most important source of energy, minerals, primary products and tourism sector and an emerging economic power in the Middle East. During March 1994, the branch of Australian Board Council coordinated arrangements for the eighth meeting of the Australia-Japan Cultural Mixed, to discuss on the ways for further boost of cultural exchange. The meeting is held once in two years under auspices of Australia-Japan Cultural Agreement of 1976. (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Online) From September 1996 to March 1998, Japan and Australia together organized various events as a mark of their friendship considered as Japan-Australia Friendship Anniversaries. (Ministry of Foreign affairs Japan, 2008 Online) In 1996 the two nations celebrated their twentieth anniversary of their friendship by signing ‘Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation’ and in 1997, they celebrated hundredth year of the opening of Japanese Consulate-General in Sydney and fortieth anniversary of their agreement on commerce between Japan and the Commonwealth of Australia. To commemorate the activities, they organized several symposiums, sporting events and a number of cultural events. Yet again in 2006, Japan and Australia celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the 1976 Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. During the celebrations, Foreign Minister of Australia, Alexander Downer and Foreign Minister of Japan, Taro Aso affirmed that the foundation of this partnership lies in the ‘shared democratic values, mutual respect, deep friendship, and shared strategic views’, (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2006 Online) and this partnership would be stronger than before. Australia and Japan initiated to work together on the basis of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the ASEAN Regional Forum and The East Asia Summit. In the same year, Japan took upon two weeks tour to Queensland only with a purpose to have a close interaction with Australian children and encouraged them in activities like workshops, taiko and Japanese dances, Origami etc. In all 9000 children participated in the program. On 13th March 2007, both the nations entered into a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and with this and many other initiatives, the year proved to be another milestone in the relationship between Australia and Japan, which created new standards for generations to come. The security cooperation not only gave regional stability and increased their influence in the Asian Pacific region but also made them forget their past hostilities. Since last many years Australia had been feeding manufacturing industries of Japan with their large supplies of raw materials and energy, nutritious food and most virtualized fun filled holidays. On the other hand, Japan is increasing Australians potential by sharing with them latest technologies, investment funds and finished goods. This relationship had added to the development and prosperity of both the nations and since 1957, when this relationship was still in its toddler stage, it had brought about diversity extending their interaction in various areas like investment, tourism, joint scientific research projects, aerospace, sharing their expertise and skills in counter terrorism and relaxed visa restrictions on the movement of people. In 2007 only, both the nations entered into Free Trade Agreement/Economic partnership agreement for more economic ties for the development and growth. But 2008 witnessed the diplomatic relations between the two nations to worsen as Australia out-rightly condemned Japan’s scientific whaling as the Federal Government tried to intervene in the Australian High Court to declare whaling illegal. The Whaling ship company Yushin Maru took hostage two Sea Shepherds, and one of them was Australian. They were opposing the illegal whaling. But the situation was sorted out as Japan’s Institute of Cetacean Research gave orders to release shepherds. (Okinawa, Online Edition) In the same year from 20th to 24th January, again, Simon Crean, who is an Australian Minister for Trade, paid his visit in Japan to give his nation’s commitment, for the new Australian Government's initiative, to drive the relationship further. In this visit, Crean posited before the Japanese government his nation’s goals in the form of three most important messages including Australian Government’s commitment to always maintain the relationship with each other considering political, strategic and economic ties. The second message he conveyed was his commitment to follow all the previous agreements and maintain World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha round of trade negotiations as their first trade priority. This will be, in his own words, “supported by a more active approach to APEC and the ASEAN plus 6”. (Crean, Online Edition) Australian Government fully acknowledged the support given by Japan in their active participation in these forums and he assured Japan the Australian Government’s enthusiasm towards the advancements being made in the talks during FTA negotiations with Japan. He assured Japanese government that “A comprehensive FTA will complement what is achieved in the Doha Round and APEC”. (Crean, Online Edition) He ended his second message by saying, “The benefits of trade liberalisation at the border will only be maximised if complemented by economic reform behind the border - the twin pillars approach”. (Crean, Online Edition) His last message was to fabricate stronger multilateral and regional partnerships for the mutual benefits which have been provided by the Australia’s close relationship with Japan. The two nations will work together to meet the challenge of global climatic warming; to help in reshaping the regional architecture; to assure security in the sector of energy in the Asia Pacific region; and to ensure a extensive and proven result to the WTO Doha Round. (Crean, Online Edition) In Japan, Mr Crean paid his visit to Nagoya and Toyota City, and met senior Toyota executives and also saw Toyota vehicle production plant. During the talks, Mr Creen also assured Japanese government their bilateral trade relationship would never be affected because of their opposing stand on the commercial and lethal scientific whaling. (Crean, Online Edition) In a report released by Ministry of Foreign affairs Japan, “Australia is Japan's tenth-ranked export destination and shares 2.4% of Japan's total exports. It ranks third among Japan's total imports with a share of 4.6%. Japan is Australia's largest overall trading partner, ranking first in the country's exports and second in its imports.” (Ministry of Foreign affairs Japan, 2008 Online) On 3rd May 2008, free trade talks between Australia and Japan at Canberra gave promising opportunities for both the nations to develop in services and investment sectors except in agriculture. Agreement was concluded to the satisfaction of all and moved “on the whole, positive and useful.” (Colebatch, Online Edition) The main points agreed upon were to open more doors to give easy access to each export in services arena, and to reduce several barriers that were posing hindrances in the path of the foreign investment in their lands. While the progress was going on in several areas but there was no progress in agriculture, as there were many hurdles in this area. Japanese representatives spent their whole two days refusing Australian’s request for removal of imposition of barrier on the imports of beef and other dairy products just explaining that these were very sensitive points and could shackle nation politically. Next meeting took place in Tokyo in July and their concern was discussion on sugar, wheat and barley. But the Japanese Parliament had already passed a resolution in 2006 to oppose any liberalization process of beef, dairy, sugar, grains or rice markets and they could not come under any free trade agreement with Australia. In fact the trade minister of Japan, Akira Amari held discussions last year that issues of very sensitive nature would not be allowed to discuss at FTA. In his own words he said, “Areas that have to be protected will be protected.” (Colebatch, Online Edition) But relationship between Australia and Japan goes beyond their economic relations. More importance is being given to social and cultural ties to develop deep and strong bonds between the two. With the political help and enthusiasm, bonds will grow stronger, and as perceived by Japan as “lonely heavyweight” and Australia as a “Friendly middleweight”. (Rumley, 228) Since late nineteenth century, Australia has been appreciating Japanese various traditional art forms and culture, and the same is true with Japan who comprehends in depth Australia’s vibrancy and diversity in various art forms. There is a mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations. Number of exhibitions reflecting the Japanese art were held in Australia and similarly many works and creation of crafts in Australia have seen the influence of Japanese style and pattern. The second and third of the most important annual Australian Trade and Cultural Promotions, under the sponsorship of the Australia Abroad Council in Japan, were held in Japan and Indonesia in 1993 and 1994 subsequently. The events were organized to bring out the changes in the way Japanese perceived Australians, to create more ways for Australia’s exports and to strengthen the relations between Australia and Japan. The programs included 100 events ranging from Australian ballet to promotional events of big retail stores including events pertaining to education, technology, and even sports. Among the promotional program also included Australian Newsletter for promotion of culture to be distributed in Japan. The program also included performances by artists and dancers in each other places and towns. Number of smaller events like participation of Victorian State Opera’ at Okinawa International Theatre Festival for Youngsters in 1994, several exhibitions like Australia Gold, and the Art of Adornment exhibiting latest Australian jewels perpetuated the strong ties between the two nations at the grass root level. (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Online Edition) The dance performances like Impro-Lab 2006 and Strange Kinoko at the Opera house had reduced the gap between the arts of the two regions and made the base for the formation of the unique form of dance. The relationship between Australia and Japan is considered to be most auspicious and successful relationship among many others. Their partnership is considered to be a partnership of, as stated by co chairs in a conference, “strength, resilience, diversity and goodwill”. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) Both the Australia and Japan are as said by Thakur are “natural trans-Pacific friends and allies” (Thakur, Online Edition) and are considered as among many two small commercially strong and most tolerant democracies in whole of Asia-Pacific region. They are as summed by Thakur, “the northern and southern anchors of the Western alliance system. Within the alliance, both pursue 'good international citizenship' in international peacekeeping, human rights, foreign aid and so on. And they support each other: they are the joint originators of APEC, Japan backs Australia’s inclusion in ASEM.” (Thakur, online) From the devastations of Second World War, the two nations have created new inroads in both the continents sharing mutual understanding on the various aspects of fundamental values. WORKS CITED Colebatch, Tim. “Japan dictates the pace of trade talks with Canberra”. The Age, Melbourne Internet (2008) Available: http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=12001 Crean, Simon. “Australia and Japan reaffirm commitment to strong trade and economic relationship”. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia. Internet (2008) Available: http://www.trademinister.gov.au/releases/2008/sc_011.html, July 31, 2008. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “Information and cultural relations”. Internet. Available: http://www.dfat.gov.au/dept/annual_reports/93_94/1_9.html, July 30, 2008. Gilbert, Helen & Tompkins, Joanne. “Post-Colonial Drama: Theory, Practice, Politics” New York: Routledge, 1996. Gyngell, Allan & Wesley, Michael. Making Australian Foreign Policy. Australia: Cambridge University Press, 2003. Littlewood, I.an. The Idea of Japan: Western Images, Western Myths. Great Britain: Secker & Warburg, 1996. Keating, Paul John. “Engagement: Australia: Faces the Asia-Pacific”. Australia: Macmillan, 1997. McGillivray, Mark & Smith, Gary. “Australia and Asia” Australia: Oxford University Press, 1998. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan. “Japan-Australia Relations”.Internet (2008) Available: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/australia/index.html, July 30, 2008. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. “JOINT STATEMENT: Building a Comprehensive Strategic Relationship”. Internet (2006). Available: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/australia/joint0603.html, July 30, 2008. Morton, Leith. Modern Japanese Culture: The Insider View. Australia: Oxford University Press, 2003. Okinawa. “Japan seeks Australian help in standoff over 2 anti-whaling protestors on harpoon boat”. Internet.(2008). Available: http://www.zimbio.com/Sea+Shepherd/articles/10/Japan+seeks+Australian+help+standoff+over, July 30, 2008. Rumley, Dennis. “The Geopolitics of Australia's Regional Relations”. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999. Stockwin, Ainscow James Arthur. “Dictionary of the Modern Politics of Japan” New York: Routledge Curzon, 2003. Thakur, Ramesh. “The Changing Dynamics of Asia-Pacific”. Asialink. Internet (1999) Available: http://www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about_asialink/opportunities/events/past/past_events_public/reshaping_regional_relations, July 30, 2008. Read More