ABSTRACT
The process of reconciliation had started in the 1950s with Japanese reparations and had then been fostered by the provision of economic assistance. However, it was from the mid-1970s especially that Japan showed a higher determination to rebuild relations with the region; the Fukuda Doctrine, in particular, represented the strongest expression of Japan's sincere commitment to repairing relations with Southeast Asian countries. The realization of peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia was considered crucial in Tokyo to achieve its objectives and interests in the region. For that purpose, it was imperative to promote cooperative coexistence between communist Indochinese countries and their non-communist ASEAN neighbors. On several aspects, Japan's diplomacy proved far too cautious and not efficacious. One example is Japanese attempts to reduce the distance between Hanoi and Washington on the one hand, and Hanoi and Beijing on the other.
