It can be said that the Asia-Pacific Region is a region at the center of the global power fight. The interest of the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the region is one of the most important indicators of the situation in question.
Japan is the world’s third largest economy.[i] Furthermore, Tokyo’s geostrategic location and rising military power make it one of the most critical actors in the Asia-Pacific. Also, Japan’s foreign policy is lasting a serious leap and is taking on a very proactive structure.
Japan attended the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent temporary member in 2023. In respect thereof, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that Tokyo intends to contribute to and enhance the functionality of the United Nations (UN) and that it is working to apply and spread UN reforms. [ii]
On the other side, Japan undertook the G7 Term Presidency in 2023. With this scope, the G7 leaders’ summit was arranged in Hiroshima. It can be stated that all these developments are proof of Japan’s rising and progressively proactive foreign policy. As current developments rise Japan’s regional and global image and penetration. Therefore, it can be claimed that Tokyo’s positioning is significant in the rivalry between Washington and Beijing and Japan has become a more influential actor in the eyes of the West.
It is known that NATO is also planning to open a liaison office in Japan.[iii] Thus, it has been stated that the goal of the Alliance here is to provide closer collaboration and coordination with Australia, South Korea and New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific. At the same time, the plan predicts both NATO and Tokyo working together against cyber menaces, devastating technologies and disinformation.[iv] This finds out that Japan is seen as a key ally by NATO.
In several statements made by G7 country leaders, it is emphasized that they will rise the oppression on Russia. Especially at this point, it can be claimed that G7 countries are influenced by Tokyo, not Japan by the G7. Because Kishida visited many of the G7 countries before this judgment was taken.[v]
The West also sees Tokyo as a key factor in controlling Beijing. They take in the consideration Japan as a central actor in the struggle they ask for to wage against the West, China and North Korea. Generally, the USA and NATO may be aiming for a Japan-centered fight in the Asia-Pacific. Consequently, it can be said that the Asia-Pacific Region is the geography where the security dilemma is experienced the most. It can also be claimed that following the improvements in Japan’s foreign policy, a large part of the global security dynamics will be shaped through this region. Therefore, it can be foreseen that polarization in the region will rise and the possibility of hot conflict will increase.
[i] “How Japan Become the Third Largest Economy in the World Japanese Economic Miracle From the 1950s to 1990s”, Data Driven Investor, https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/how-japan-become-the-third-largest-economy-in-the-world-ba28f6ea0dc7, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.12.2023).
[ii] “Japan’s Foreign Policy to be Tested by China, Russia as Non – Permanent UN Security Council Member”, South China Morning Post, https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3205412/japans-foreign-policy-be-tested-china-russia-non-permanent-un-security-council-member, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.12.2023).
[iii] “NATO Planning to Open Japan Office to Deepen Asia – Pacific Ties – Report”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/nato-planning-to-open-japan-office-to-deepen-asia-pacific-ties-report, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.12.2023).
[iv] “NATO to Open Japan Office, Deepening Indo-Pacific Engagement, Nıkkei Asia, https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/NATO-to-open-Japan-office-deepening-Indo-Pacific-engagement, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.12.2023).
[v] “Japan Prime Minister is Touring G7 Allies in Europe and North America”, Yahoo Finance, shorturl.at/mwzLX, (Erişim Tarihi: 28.12.2023).
