JAPAN / Politics / Outlook 2020

Japan faces a diplomatic balancing act in 2020 as it seeks to manage ties with the U.S. and China

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will face a number of diplomatic challenges this year, including Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Japan, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and the impact of the U.S. presidential election. | KYODO

By Reiji Yoshida
Staff Writer

Jan 2, 2020

Last year was an extremely hectic one for Japanese diplomats. Hundreds of world leaders visited to attend a number of major events, including the Group of 20 Osaka summit in June, an all-Africa development conference in August and ceremonies related to the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito held throughout the year.

So will 2020 be more relaxing for Foreign Ministry officials and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe? Probably not.

Japan will face a slate of diplomatic issues this year, some of which are likely to prove more challenging than those faced in 2019, having the potential to alter the global balance of power and Japan's security environment.

Japan faces a diplomatic balancing act in 2020 as it seeks to manage ties with the U.S. and China

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