Harmony or Sovereignty in Asia?

The four nations that dominate north Asian politics have new leadership, and three express stronger nationalistic agendas than their predecessors.  For China and Japan, it may signal more confrontation; for the Koreans, it’s too early to tell the meaning – seven decades of stalemate makes predicting new overtures or directions risky.

China and Japan have been testing each other in the disputed waters of the East China Sea, and each country’s new leaders are heirs of nationalistic leaders.  They are emphasizing sovereign rights more than a mood of cooperation.

Japan’s Shinzo Abe may be the most radically nationalistic leader in Japan’s modern history.  And largely as a reaction to China’s new power and assertions of maritime sovereignty, he is advocating modifying the country’s pacifist clause in the constitution and a buildup of the defense force to project power rather than just defend the homeland.

The latest Kim launched a missile to please the military and enhance the nation’s sense of worth.  He gave a year-end speech that mostly repeated the usual statements of the struggle against foreign forces and the need to boost production.  Ms. Park needed some liberal votes to win and appears to be more inclined toward overtures of cooperation than her predecessor.  But both countries are now led by scions with conservative political bases and nationalist dispositions.