Q: What are your thoughts on the security situation in Northeast Asia?

A: In addition to such nuclear powers as China, the United States and Russia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is also among countries of concern in the region. While (the established) nuclear powers fully know how to control themselves, North Korea has had little chance to talk with international society.

　It would be best if six countries−the Republic of Korea (South Korea), North Korea, the United States, China, Russia and Japan−can get together and talk, but it will take some time before that can happen. So first, we need to strengthen bilateral relations within the region. Exchanges between China and North Korea, the United States and North Korea and between North and South Korea should be activated both on government and nongovernment levels. Japan is also moving to resume normalization talks with North Korea.

　The logical thing to do would be to build as many links like these as possible so that eventually, all parties can sit around the same table and talk.

Q: What about Japan's role?

A: North Korea should be encouraged to be more transparent (in its way of doing things). In order to do that, Japan, the United States and South Korea should coordinate their policies. Thanks to the Perry initiative, the three countries are coming closer together politically in terms of their policy toward North Korea.

　A new process of consultation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan, China and South Korea has also started. It is meaningful to share occasions to simply discuss matters frankly without a specific agenda. The accumulation of such talks eliminates political wariness. Even if a major political problem suddenly occurs in the region, it provides the groundwork for Japanese, Chinese and South Korean leaders to immediately talk things over. Discussion at the ASEAN Regional Forum has also become increasingly active over the years.

Q: How can North Korea be made part of a multilateral dialogue?

A: Japan, the United States and South Korea share the same values both politically and economically. However, North Korea has different systems and values. Such differences become apparent in gaps in understanding and a sense of security between countries.

　What North Korean leaders fear the most is having their current regime overthrown. Discussion with North Korea should not be single-track. It is important that Japan, the United States and South Korea each have their own means of talking with North Korea and also have China and Russia promote dialogue with it at the same time.

Q: How should the United States conduct its relations in Northeast Asia?

A: The presence of the United States has a lot to do with Northeast Asian stability. Both Japan-U.S. and U.S.-South Korea relationships are firm alliances that go back a long way. But it's no good to simply imitate the American way in everything we do. Unique cultures should not be affected. Fortunately, neither Japan nor South Korea need worry about that. Even though we both have strong ties with the United States, we say what we have to say and make our own decisions. That is why our relationships are useful to regional security.

Q: Is it possible to establish a stable trilateral relationship between Japan, the United States and China, which hold the key to regional security?

A: China has changed. I think it should and will be a country that sticks to pacifism. In terms of the economy, it had a thorough discussion with the United States about joining the World Trade Organization. It can also talk frankly with South Korea. Japan should not be content with just maintaining "good relations'' with China but make an effort at establishing a stronger relationship in which both sides can frankly speak what they really think. If we can build such a relationship with China, Japan would be less affected by U.S. policy toward China. Instead of averting its eyes from U.S.-China relations, I want Japan to have strong determination to act as a coordinator between the United States and China when necessary.

　Yohei Kono, 63, has been elected to the Lower House 11 times since 1967. After serving as chief Cabinet minister and other posts, he became Liberal Democratic Party president in 1993. He also served as deputy prime minister and foreign minister in the Tomiichi Murayama administration and has held his current post since October.