Differences remain
However, the support gained by Fukuda during the tour of "meeting diplomacy" were principled and general. On issues involving national interests, especially on the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Japan and its European friends still stood apart.
Germany and Britain called on Japan to adopt the GHG emissions trading system, but Fukuda avoided direct reply as the system is strongly opposed in Japan's steel and power sectors.
About the medium-term goal of GHG emissions reduction, the target of 20 percent was agreed among the European Union members, while Japan said it's inadvisable to set a clear target at the early stage. After meeting with Merkel, Fukuda mentioned Japan's intent to release its medium- to long-term reduction guidelines prior to the G8 summit, but without specific figures. Japanese media pointed out that British and German leaders must be unsatisfied with Japan's vagueness on the issue.
In an effort to control the leadership in drawing the post-Kyoto framework, Japan put forward the "sectoral approach," which has aroused wide criticism from developing countries since the measure could disturb the "common but differentiated responsibilities."
When Fukuda boasted of having obtained "basic understanding of major countries" on the approach and sought Britain's support, Brown only gave "positive evaluation of Japan's efforts." Japanese media said Fukuda received cold shoulder from his British counterpart.
About expanding the scope of the G8 summit, Japan stood on the opposite with France. During the bilateral meeting, Sarkozy said it's necessary to enlarge the G8 in accordance with the change of international situation, while Fukuda expressed caution on the issue, insisting that the G8 is a "precious and meaningful" place for leaders of "a few leading countries which bear common significant responsibilities for the world" to exchange ideas.
Japanese media said distinct and persisting differences prevented Fukuda's Europe tour of "meeting diplomacy" from transcending the level of "meeting", and the prime minister himself must have learned the difficulties in coordinating various positions among Japan's G8 partners.
(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2008)
