Japan paints vision as leader of Asia
JAPAN has opened up a new front in its rivalry with China, declaring itself the true leader of Asia.
In his first big speech as Foreign Minister, Taro Aso painted his landscape vision of Japan as an intellectual power, adviser and problem solver in the region.
“First and foremost Japan is, for the countries of Asia, a ‘thought leader"‘, he said in fluent English, using a term drawn from American business gurus.
“A thought leader is one who through fate is forced to face up against some sort of very difficult issue earlier than others.”
More: smh.com.au
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