[War] Canada/Japan: "A New Ally"

[Michael Downey]

"A New Ally"
Foreign Minister Jonouchi, Japan
Ambassador Olson, Canada
4 April 2013
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Assignments to G8 nations were among the most prestigious and
hard-to-get in the DFA and Ambassador Olson was rather pleased with
his assignment to Japan. He had already presented his credentials to
the Emperor just three weeks ago and now his first official meeting
with the Japanese Foreign Minister had been arranged.

Trade was of course the very top issue. With the current government
back in Ottawa pursuing and agenda of more open commercial
relationships with other countries, Minister Daudelin had almost
jumped when the Japanese had asked for discussions on trade issues.
And like practically every other industrialized nation on Earth, Japan
needed resources. Lumber, metals, foodstuffs and most importantly oil.
All of which Canada could provide.

A young member of the Japanese Foreign Minister's staff was on hand to
greet the Ambassador as he disembarked from his car and showed him through
the Ministry building to the Minister's office. On the outside the ministry
building looked like it would not have been out of place in Communist Moscow,
but inside it had been remodled entirely for the 21st Century with glass, wood
and flat screen monitors flashing pictures of Japan's major landmarks, in case
visitors had somehow forgotten which country they were in.

The Minister's office was at least screen free and while looking modern the
simple wooden highlights managed to suggest old Japan at the sametime.
The receptionist behind the desk in the ante-chamber stood and bowed as the
Ambassador was escorted into the inner office where the Minister stood came
around his desk to bow and offer his hand. "Mr. Ambassador, thank you for
coming."

"Minister," replied Olson, accepting the other man's hand. "Thank you
for inviting me to your office." Japan and Canada had enjoyed a
cordial relationship in the post-World War II era. Though they did not
share the close economic and military relationship they mutually had
with the United States, Canada maintained a continued and growing
trade interests in the Asian-Pacific area and found Japan as a useful
friend in the G8 and ASEAN. "What is it you would like to discuss?"

Minister Jonouchi directed the Canadian ambassador to a small seating area
at the side of his office and once they were seated, drink in hand began.

"We are interested in discussing improvements to our extisting trade relations
with your country and entering into a military agreement with your country
that would allow Japanese troops to come to Canada and make use of your
wide open spaces.

"The trade matters first. Our wishes are three fold, first, the
elimination of tarrifs
on Japanese consumer electronics, and a 25% reduction on tarrifs on automobiles
in order to allow Japan to compete with NAFTA nations and the relatively low
US dollar.

"The second matter was a proposal for talks on harmonizing our saftey
regulations
for autoparts and automobiles in order to facilitate speedier
bi-lateral trade of these
products. The third was talks with the Federal government and the provinces on
insurance regulations, as I am sure you know currently foreign companies are
currently restricted to 35% ownership and quarterly review nationally with some
provinces being more restrictive, and makes competition with crown insurance
companies virtually impossible. We would like a chance to sit down with those
involved and make our case for a more open insurance market, which would
in the end reduce the costs to your citizens.

"In return we would be willing to offer tarrif elimination on cereal
grains, beef,
minerals and of course oil shipped from Canada. Additionally I know our
companies would be willing to invest in exploration and refining of your oil
reserves if a suitable revenue sharing agreement could be reached."

It all seemed rather reasonable to Olson. He did find it odd that
Japan wanted to conduct military exercises in Canada, however. Not
that he didn't understand the logistical reasons, those made sense,
but many had become aware of Japan's recent military buildup. Some in
Ottawa worried how a more militant Japan would affect Asia. They held
no distrust of Japan, as much a beacon of democracy as Canada or the
United States, but there were many who had long memories. China, for
one. But that was China's problem, wasn't it?

"There are concerns about foreign involvement in our insurance
industry," commented Olson. "We look down to the United States and,
well, that's not really the type of environment we want in our
country. You'll have to be a bit more specific about your intentions."

"We are only looking to expand access to the areas where you are
comfortable with foreign presence. All forms of property and nautical
insurance as well as life insurance, however we will stay clear of
medical insurance of any kind, we admire your system and do not
wish to wade into the debate your country is holding about it's future."

"I can't promise anything but I will ask the Foreign Minister to
confer with the Cabinet," said Olson.

The Foreign Minister nodded. "Understandable Mr. Ambassador, I look
forward to the reply of your cabinet," the Foreign Minister said.
"Shall we move on to military matters?"

"There shouldn't be a problem with your military holding exercises in
Canada," mused Olson. "Your country is considered by my government as
a force of stability and democracy in Asia and the reconstruction
efforts of the JGSDF in Afghanistan were much appreciated."

"Thank you. And it is for situations like the latter half of the Afghanistan
operations we want to prepare for by increasing our training. Ideally,
we would like to have a permanent rotation of JSDF training in Canada
much like the UK does, though on a much wider scale. Our intitial proposal
is for approximately 2000 GSDF forces to be training in Canada at
anyone time with
2-3 of our ships operating off your Pacific Coast. We would of course
pay our own
way and if necessary set up our own barracks on the bases we would be sharing
with Canadian forces. Additionally we like to request Canadian advisers to come
to Japan to help us establish dedicated Peacekeeping Battalions."

Olson smiled inwardly. Since the repeal of Article 9, Canada had
always hoped Japan would become a bigger contributor to active
peacekeeping operations, not simply reconstruction and humanitarian
work. After NATO had floundered in its troop contributions during the
Afghanistan operation, Ottawa was eager to find more reliable
peacekeeping partners.

"That is very acceptable. Canada would be willing to contribute to the
cost of constructing the proper housing facilities for your troops."
And NDHQ would probably pressure the Pentagon to donate some cash as
well. "As for peacekeeping advisers, we can begin sending some of our
most field-experienced officers as soon as you want."

Jonouchi was pleased with the news that the Canadians were willing to
pay some of the costs of housing Japanese troops in their country. The
JSDF was under pressure to keep within its budget, and this would help
them make more of their time in Canada.

"Excellent I will let the Defence Minister know that and he will be in touch
with his opposite number in your government. However, I believe he is
anxious to get underway, so preliminary meetings with your officers could
begin as early as two weeks from now," Jonouchi said. "And as soon as
facilities are constructed we can send our men to Canada. When that time
comes the Prime Minister would like to the travel to the base and meet
with your Prime Minister and make something of an event of it."

Japan was fond of Canadians as were most countries and the PMO,
Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs' public affairs
department unanimously called for a press event to christen the
cooperation between the two countries. He could already see
the pictures of soldiers from both countries playing soccer or
trading souveneirs on the pages of both countries newspapers.
But beyond the feel good aspect of it, Japan needed to make up for
a lack of combat experience and the best way to learn was to
follow the examples of others. So for matters of war they worked
with the US, but when it came to peacekeeping there were few who
knew more than the Canadians.

"It has been a pleasure, Minister," said Olson, standing. "I will
speak with my superiors at once."

Jonouchi nodded sharply and stood as well. "A pleasure ambassador," he
said extending his hand.
---

Actions:
1) Canada agrees to lift tariffs on Japanese consumer electronics and
a 25% reduction on autoparts
2) Canada and Japan will harmonize auto safety standards to improve trade
3) Canada will agree to allow negotiate on opening domestic insurance
markets (with the exception of health insurance) to more foreign
participation.
4) The JSDF will open a military base in Canada to begin a training
rotation of approximately 2000 troops, plus 2-3 JMSDF ships training
with the RCN.
5) The Canadian Army will begin sending advisours specializing in
peacekeeping to share experience with the JGSDF