ITS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR JAPAN'S LONGEST SERVING PRIME MINISTER. THE MAN HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE GEOPOLITICS OF JAPAN. HERE'S HOW.
Citing poor health, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has decided to resign with immediate effect. Sources close to the former PM have revealed chronic ulcerative colitis (lining of intestine becomes inflamed) to be the reason.
GEOPOLITICAL IMPACT
Abe was a sly player. He knew how to deal with big egos to his country's advantage. The way he dealt with the eccentric & often erratic Donald Trump is laudable.
He deftly sensed Trump's America First Agenda could hurt Japanese exports & was also aware of his own country's protectionist economic policies. Still he managed to broker a beneficial trade deal with low tariffs (tax on import).
Despite America's withdrawal, Abe managed to sustain the Trans Pacific Partnership by withholding a similar withdrawal of Australia & Canada. This was beneficial to Japan as it got free trade access to ASEAN market as well as the two other aforementioned countries.
Abe took steps to modernize & strengthen Japan's Special Defense Forces. Despite Article 9 of the American drafted Japanese Constitution barring the maintaining of an army, Abe has done the opposite. USA has not opposed the move as it reduces operational costs of the American bases in Japan due to reduced dependence.
The assertive rise of China was also a major issue for Abe & Japan. However. Abe has been successful in reducing the economic dependence and has matched Chinese aggression in the East China sea.
Japan has now deeper ties with India. Modi-Abe inked several important pacts in the sphere of defense, trade, economic co-operation as well as strategic ties.
Japan has successfully revived "the quad" comprising of US, India , Japan & Australia as strategic defense partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan heavily increased its FDI inflow to Japan in Africa (only second to China. It provided a more democratic & mutually beneficial partner to African nations.
Abe also inked a free trade agreement with EU which are notoriously difficult to execute.
THAT'S ALL. KEEP LEARNING!
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