Tokyo’s approach combines security, economic and diplomatic tools to show regional nations an alternative to the China-US dilemma
Japan’s prominence was amplified when a scheduled session on China’s cooperative partnerships in the Asia-Pacific – a slot that would have offered Beijing a platform to present its vision for regional security – was cancelled.
Tokyo made headlines during the forum when Koizumi took the unusual step of meeting US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in a clear bid for public reassurance that Washington remains fully committed to Asia. While it was meant to project a strong, united front between the US and Japan, it exposed Japan’s anxiety about its own security and dependence on the alliance.
Analysts view these developments as critical links in a multilayered regional military architecture that is being forged as US commitment is perceived as waning across Asia, and amid Beijing’s eagerness to capitalise on the resulting vacuum.