Publication

This brief examines Japan’s efforts to strengthen its military deterrence in response to China's rise and those to bolster its security alliance with the US. The author argues that an increase in Japan’s autonomy within its alliance with the US is an important driver of Prime Minister Abe’s strategy. However, he also believes that this is likely to place further strain on Japan’s “mutually beneficial strategic relationship” with China and that Japan’s tougher defense and security stance is certain to have a major bearing on the Asian security landscape.