Israel-Gaza war: can Japan leverage its Middle East ties to create dialogue, defuse tensions?
- Japan is being cautious in its approach given its Middle East ties, but analysts say it has ‘important diplomatic roles’ to play in the conflict
- It could act as a mediator, they say, as friendly relations with Iran mean Tokyo is also in a position to ask Tehran for help in defusing tensions
This reversal may have prompted Palestinian envoys in Tokyo to call on the Japanese government to be neutral in the conflict and maintain humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Tokyo, said Japan was being careful with its approach in the Middle East given its position as a US ally and G7 member, while also being dependent on the region for its energy security.
More than 90 per cent of Japan’s oil is imported from Arab countries.
“Nevertheless, Japan has important diplomatic roles in working with countries in the Middle East to help find diplomatic and humanitarian solutions,” Hinata-Yamaguchi said.
Analysts say Japan has a “tactical advantage” in the Middle East, with strong ties that allow it to talk to all sides, boosting dialogue opportunities to ease tensions in the ongoing conflict.