ニュース 2014/09/09 Delegation of prospective executives of Communist Party of Vietnam visits DPJ; parties agree to deepen interparty exchanges On September 9, Masaharu Nakagawa, Acting Secretary General, and other DPJ members met with a delegation of prospective executives of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) (Head of delegation: Nguyen Tuan Phong, Vice Chairman, Central Commission for External Relations [PERC], CPV). During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the policies of the DPJ and interparty exchanges. Kaname Tajima, Director-General of the International Department, began by delivering welcome remarks. Vice Chairman Phong expressed his gratitude and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations. Vice Chairman Phong requested Japanese assistance in areas such as infrastructure development in Vietnam, establishment of strategies for industrialization promotion, and agricultural assistance. Nakagawa explained “the overview and foreign policy of the DPJ.” He stated that the DPJ was formed as a party that would be able to take government control away from the Liberal Democratic Party in order to achieve a true two-party political system. He said that the DPJ succeeded in changing the government approximately ten years after its foundation, and that following the outcome of the previous general election the DPJ is currently aiming to regain control of the government as the largest opposition party. Regarding the Abe Cabinet’s reinterpretation of the Constitution to allow the exercise of the right to collective self-defense, Nakagawa stated, “It is necessary to maintain an exclusively defense-orientated policy. Allowing the exercise of the right to collective self-defense could lead to military buildup. The DPJ is staunchly against the discourse of the government and ruling parties. We attach importance to policies that build peace not by military force but by diplomatic power.” Nakagawa proposed to deepen exchanges between the two parties, hoping that “the DPJ and the CPV can strengthen ties.” Vice Chairman Phong expressed strong interest in the debate over the right to collective self-defense. He supported Nakagawa’s proposal on interparty exchanges and stated, “When we return to Vietnam, we will definitely look into this, including signing a memorandum regarding interparty exchanges at a mutually convenient time.” Asked about the situation of Japanese young people’s participation in politics by the CPV, Keisuke Tsumura, Chair of the Youth Committee, explained the current attitudes of Japanese young people towards politics and the DPJ’s efforts.