Economic diplomacy and economic security under Abe

Abstract

As Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe brought political stability to Japan and regional and global leadership on trade and economic diplomacy at a time of great uncertainty. Japan navigated a more assertive China and a USA in retreat from global leadership. Abe led the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement after US withdrawal and a more strategic approach to international economic diplomacy for Japan. Repair of the China relationship culminated in a state visit to Beijing in 2018 and agreement to cooperate on joint infrastructure investment projects. The trade and political dispute with South Korea and new economic security policies now erode Japan's openness and are a challenge going forward.