Blog 4: Obama Talks Trade and Past Issues with Japan

Aamer Madhani, one of USA Today’s journalism wrote a column entitled “Obama to Meet Japan PM to Talk Economic, Security Issues.” This article goes into explaining the details between President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and their conversation on trade and economy. Abe mentions that his visit to the White House also centers around a territorial battle between China.  Obama has cautioned both Tokyo and Beijing to show restraint when it comes to their battle over disputed islands in the Easter China Sea. This area is known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Abe suggested prior to his visit, that he wants the Obama administration to speak with China and make clear that battling Japan on the issue of territory is unacceptable. White House officials made clear to everyone involved that stability in the region is its top priority and that they do not intend to choose sides. Yet another issue that came up in the meeting was the Japanese Prime Minister’s stance on a 1993 statement apologizing for forcing women from surrounding countries to become sexual servants during World War II. These victimized women were known as “comfort women.” When Abe was suggested to apologize for this incident, he said he would hold his comments on the matter. Concerns were expressed by representatives Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and Mike Honda, D-Calif. They are quoted as saying, “Japan’s government must fully acknowledge, apologize and increase awareness of its history of comfort women.”  Hopefully this will get full recognition very soon.   
Taylor Massey
2/22/12 2:10 pm
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/02/21/obama-abe-japanese-prime-minister/1937383/