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Opinion | Why Japan should spearhead an Asia-centric regional security group
- Tokyo could reach out to other countries within the Indo-Pacific region that share its concerns regarding Beijing
- Excluding extra-regional powers like the US, but including China in the forum would enable progress on rules for economic activity, navigation and exercises
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On July 28, Japan unveiled its annual defence white paper. The content echoes the language of Tokyo’s national security strategy released in December regarding the security threats posed by China, Russia and North Korea.
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For instance, it specifically underscores Beijing’s growing military assertiveness around Japan since 2013 and its attempts to unilaterally alter the regional status quo, particularly in relation to Taiwan.
Unsurprisingly, China has reacted strongly to the paper, accusing Tokyo of meddling in its domestic affairs and stoking regional tensions.
China also criticised the formation of “targeted blocs” against it, apparently referring to regional security groups led by the United States.
The white paper emphasised strengthening deterrence and joint capabilities with the US, as well as reinforcing collaboration with like-minded countries like Britain and Australia as two key defence approaches to address these security challenges, in addition to the enhancement of Japan’s defence architecture.
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Last month, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi also encouraged Japan and South Korea to foster trilateral cooperation in regional economic development and security stability, while cautioning against endorsing the policies of countries outside the region.
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