University of Tokyo Professor Gives Lectures on Japan-China Relations
On October 29, the Consulate General of Japan presented lectures by by the renowned University of Tokyo Professor, Dr. Akio Takahara, entitled “Domestic Factors in China's External Policy: The Case of Japan-China Relations”. This presentation was given on two occasions: first at an event co-hosted by the Japan Society and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; the second, a lecture sponsored by the University of Toronto’s Asian Institute and taking place at the Munk School of Global Affairs.
Professor Takahara teaches at the Graduate School of Law and Politics, University of Tokyo, and is Secretary-General of the New Japan-China Friendship 21st Century Committee.
The summary of the presentations was as follows: “Besides international factors such as the 2008 world financial crisis, there are important domestic factors in China's current external policy. They include the intensive debates over the necessity and content of economic and political reforms, and people's dissatisfaction and anxiety about the flip side of China's rapid growth. The talk will take up the case of China's hardline approach towards Japan over the Senkaku Islands, and discuss why it continues despite the undaunted advancement of economic exchange, and how the rest of the world should react to it.”
Professor Takahara spoke to an overwhelmingly appreciative audience at both presentations, ensuing in enthusiastic and insightful discussion.
Professor Akio Tahara presents at the Japan Society/Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada event (above)
and at the Munk School for Global Affairs (below).
