廉德瑰：没有美国的实力却总想模仿美国，这是当前日本外交最大的毛病

Core Viewpoint - The Japan-Central Asia summit held on December 19-20 aims to strengthen Japan's diplomatic ties with Central Asian countries amidst geopolitical challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and China's influence in the region [2][11]. Group 1: Timing and Purpose of the Summit - The timing of the summit is significant as Japan's Foreign Minister is facing various diplomatic challenges, raising questions about whether the summit is intended to align with U.S. strategies or to break diplomatic deadlocks [2][3]. - Japan's primary goal in hosting the summit is to attract investment and enhance trade cooperation with Central Asian countries, which are seeking to diversify their foreign partnerships [2][4]. Group 2: Japan's Strategic Interests in Central Asia - Central Asia holds strategic value for Japan due to its rich resources, including oil and rare earth minerals, which Japan aims to secure through economic cooperation [3][4]. - Japan's long-term objective is to gradually integrate Central Asia into its geopolitical strategy, potentially using the region to counterbalance the influence of China and Russia [3][4]. Group 3: Challenges and Limitations - Japan's influence in Central Asia remains limited compared to Russia and China, which continue to dominate the region's political and economic landscape [4][5]. - The trade relationship between Japan and Central Asian countries is still in its early stages, with Japan's exports to Kazakhstan being around $5-6 billion, while imports from Kazakhstan total approximately $13 billion [6][7]. Group 4: Political Dynamics - The political landscape in Central Asia is sensitive, with countries maintaining strong ties to Russia, making it difficult for Japan to deepen political relations without provoking Russian backlash [8][9]. - Japan's attempts to assert its influence through political signals may not align with the realities of Central Asian countries' diplomatic strategies, which prioritize economic benefits over political alignment [13][14]. Group 5: Japan's Diplomatic Strategy - Japan's approach to Central Asia is characterized by a tendency to follow U.S. strategies, which may not always align with Japan's unique conditions and objectives [19][20]. - The current Japanese administration, under Foreign Minister Hayashi, seeks to achieve visible diplomatic successes, particularly in light of recent challenges in Japan's relations with China and Russia [15][18].