Japan's domestic affairs prompt Noda's new nationalism

A clash between Chinese and Japanese vessels over the Diaoyu islands gives Prime Minister Noda a chance to prove he is as "patriotic" as the Liberal Democratic Party. (Photo/Xinhua)

Domestic politics is the main reason why Japan's prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, of the liberal-leaning Democratic Party, has taken a tough stance over islands in the East China Sea that are also claimed by China, according to Shanghai's First Financial Daily. The islands are known as the Senkakus by Japan, which administers them, the Diaoyu islands by China, and the Tiaoyutais by Taiwan, which also claims them.
The most critical issue faced by Noda is the internal struggle between three factions of this own party. While the leftist faction of Yukio Hatoyama and Naoto Kan, two former prime ministers, supports improving Tokyo's ties with Beijing and other Asian nations, Ichiro Ozawa's faction wants to maintain an equal balance between Washington and Beijing, the two major powers in the Asia-Pacific region. Considered a "shadow shogun," Ozawa has never left himself too exposed despite his considerable influence on the Democratic Party. The final faction is the rightists led by Seiji Maehara, the former foreign minister who takes a more pro-American and anti-Chinese stance on foreign affairs.


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