ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the characteristics and strengths and weaknesses of Japan's diplomacy with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by comparing the approaches of the two ministries in charge such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). It analyses Japan's diplomacy to the more pro-active diplomacy of its neighbours and business competitors in the GCC such as China and South Korea. For Japan, energy security and oil concessions are national strategic priorities and comprise key factors in its relations with the resource-rich GCC states. However, in the important juncture when the Iran crisis was putting energy security at risk for all of East Asia, putting a premium on Saudi Arabia's large alternative reserves and production capacity. According to Asia Security Watch, Korea and Saudi Arabia agreed to bolster their defence cooperation, which possibly included Korean arm exports to Saudi Arabia.
