英闻天下——84 Abe Goes to SE Asia in First Overseas Trip

 　　Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to make Southeast Asia his first overseas destination.

 

　　Abe is expected to visit Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam later this month.

 

　　The second-time premier¹ said on Monday he meant to visit the US first to strengthen Tokyo's alliance with Washington.

 

　　However, Abe was forced to make the change due to planning difficulties because of US President Barack Obama's busy schedule, as he prepares for his inauguration² ceremony on January 21st.

 

　　But some analysts³ suggest the delay shows Washington's worries about Abe's recent hard-line policies.

 

　　Yang Bojiang is an expert in Japanese studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

 

　　"On one hand, based on the current US policies toward the Asia Pacific, the US wants to strengthen the alliance with Japan, wants to see a stronger Japan. From this point of view, Abe taking office is in line with US expectation. But on the other hand, Washington is also worried about Abe's right-leaning attitude. The US is concerned that Abe's tough stance in handling relations with Asian neighbors may get out of control."

 

　　Yang Bojiang says Abe's rearranged visits to the three Southeast Asia countries show Japan's hope to enhance its diplomatic and security abilities.

 

　　"The relations between Southeast Asia countries and Japan is like the one between Latin American countries with the US, it's like a strategic backyard.

 

　　However, after the Cold War, Japan's influence in Southeast Asia has been weakening, this is especially true after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, so Japan is now trying to restore that influence."

 

　　Analysts say Japan's new cabinet is expected to pursue a "strong, yet pragmatic foreign policy", particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

1 premier   

adj.首要的；n.总理，首相

参考例句：

• The Irish Premier is paying an official visit to Britain.爱尔兰总理正在对英国进行正式访问。
• He requested that the premier grant him an internview.他要求那位总理接见他一次。

2 inauguration   

n.开幕、就职典礼

参考例句：

• The inauguration of a President of the United States takes place on January 20.美国总统的就职典礼于一月二十日举行。
• Three celebrated tenors sang at the president's inauguration.3位著名的男高音歌手在总统就职仪式上演唱。

3 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。