"Since the end of the Cold War and during the last 30 years we have lived through a time of certain optimism, where globalization has consolidated prosperity and peace, but we are at a moment of historical inflection, marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the change in the balance of power, with the emergence of countries with increasing strength to pursue their interests." Takahiro NAKAMAE, Ambassador of Japan in Spain, has given a lecture at lecture at the School of Philosophy and Letters of the University of Navarra, at framework de la workshop Thomas More of Degree at Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

In his speech, the diplomat gave an overview of Japan's foreign policy and explained how the geopolitical chessboard, which defines the national security environment, has changed.

In view of this status, he said that his country's intention with China is to build stable and constructive relations: "China is Japan's first trade partner , the economic interdependence of the two countries is enormous, and Japan and China share great responsibilities. Japan's policy is to continue dialogue, to urge China to act agreement with its responsibility, and to cooperate to address common global challenges."

He has also stressed the importance of his country's alliance with the United States for its national security and regional stability. "We want to further strengthen our alliance with the United States and extend Japan's cooperation with like-minded countries, such as South Korea, Australia or India."

Spain - Japan, a relationship that goes back more than four centuries

With regard to Spain and its relations with the country of the rising sun, the Japanese ambassador pointed out that we are "strategic partners, committed to solving together different international challenges". Relations between Japan and Spain go back more than 400 years, which makes us one of the European countries with which Japan has the longest relationship. Finally, the ambassador expressed his intention to "intensify our ties around three axes: security, Economics and civil society".