Asia-Pacific is a geography where the regional conjuncture is determined through alliances, sides, parties and exercises. China, which is the only actor that can compete globally with the hegemony of the West, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States of America (USA), is also located in this region. At the same time, the USA, in line with its political experiences, aims to apply the containment policy against the Beijing, which has resulted with success against Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during the Cold War period as well. This makes the region an important competitive field where China and the West struggle for influence.
In this context, it can be said that there is a geopolitical, geostrategic and geoeconomic competition between countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia, which are positioned in accordance with Washington’s expectations, and states such as North Korea, with which China and Beijing have developed close relations. As a matter of fact, the policies implemented by actors independent of the sides are also important for the course of this struggle. At this point, it can be said that Japan has recently come to the fore both in terms of regional dynamics and global geopolitics and has begun to play a game-changing role.
In particular, with increased military expenditures, defense agreements signed with Western states, and hardened rhetoric against “other” actors such as Russia and China, Japan has become a state that has increased its influence both regionally and globally. At this point, the fact that Japan is accepted as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two years[1] and that it will host the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in 2023 by taking the Presidency of the G7[2] are concrete examples. As a matter of fact, it can be said that the developments increased Japan’s influence in the West.
The signing of a defense agreement between England and Japan[3] becomes very critical when evaluated together with the UNSC and G7 developments. In this context, it can be argued that Japan’s foreign policy conjuncture has become increasingly proactive. However, it can be stated that Tokyo has turned its direction to the West. Thus, it can be predicted that Japan will demand more voice in the global perspective after its regional influence.
Moreover, Japan’s membership in the UNSC may create an opportunity for the West to open up its agenda to more vigorous discussion within the council. At the same time, the West may consider Tokyo as an ally in suppressing Moscow and Beijing within the council. However, the fact that the G7 Summit will be held in Hiroshima, Japan can be read as a message from the West to states such as China and North Korea.
In addition, it can be said that the agreements signed with Western states mean that Japan’s proactive policy is supported by the West. Therefore, pressure on China and North Korea may increase.
On the other hand, Japan’s increase in defense expenditures and the support it receives from the West may cause Tokyo to enter a growth and armament process beyond the control of the USA in the future. This could be seen as a threat by Washington. If such a situation does occur, Japan could have a strong claim on the Dokdo and Takeshima Islands, which is a disputed issue with South Korea. In the event of these developments, there is a possibility that Japan’s relations with the USA and South Korea will deteriorate. Therefore, with its increasing military power, Japan may begin to pursue a more solitary and self-confident regional policy.
As a result, Tokyo’s new foreign policy-making process ultimately manifested as the country gaining significant influence within the G7 and the UNSC. As a matter of fact, it can be said that this situation may cause many regional and global developments. It ca n be stated that Tokyo’s new policy and its perception by Washington will affect Japan’s position in regional and global politics.
[1] “Japan Joins U.N. Security Council As New Nonpermanent Member”, Kyodo News, https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/6c679e2ec5bf-japan-joins-un-security-council-as-new-nonpermanent-member.html, (Date of Accesion: 27.01.2023).
[2] “Japan to Host 2023 G-7 Summit in Hiroshima May 19-21”, Arab News, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2112576/world, (Date of Accesion: 27.01.2023).
[3] “U.K.-Japan Defense Cooperation to Intensify Following Landmark Agreement”, The Japan Times, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/11/national/politics-diplomacy/britain-japan-troops-agreement-raa/, (Date of Accesion:27.01.2023).
