Japan's Quiet Peace Role in Myanmar Could Affect Your Region
Japan's behind-the-scenes diplomacy might bring stability to a troubled region.
Deep Dive
Japan knows how to back an Asean-led process without taking ownership of it, as decades of regional mediation show. Now Tokyo is seeking to upgrade its diplomatic toolkit: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ International Peace Mediation Unit was set up in March, followed by the launch of the Parliamentary Association for Peace Mediation in May. Around the same time, the Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation separately opened a Centre for Mediation Support, providing another channel for Japanese actors to engage in peacemaking efforts.
Key Points
- Japan is setting up new groups to help mediate peace in Myanmar, but without leading the talks.
- Stability in Southeast Asia affects global trade and prices, so this matters for your wallet.
- Japan's 'silent diplomacy' has worked before, but progress may be slow and uncertain.
Why It Matters
A peaceful Myanmar means a more stable region, which can lead to lower prices and safer travel.