Japan expands its defense network against China in the Asia-Pacific

As security balances in East Asia are reshaped, Japan is transforming its defense policy, which it has conducted for many years with a focus on the US, into a more active strategy. The Tokyo administration aims to strengthen regional deterrence against China's increasing military and diplomatic pressure around Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Japan's new orientation stands out with increases in its defense budget and steps to expand its military capacity. The country, which took on a limited military role for a long time due to the pacifist constitutional framework it adopted after World War II, has recently been placing more emphasis on issues such as the procurement of long-range missiles and modern ammunition.

Tokyo's moves are not limited to increasing its national defense capacity. While strengthening its role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which includes the US, Australia, and India, Japan is also deepening defense and logistics cooperation with countries that are experiencing sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction tensions with China.

In this context, contacts established with countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea are leading to interpretations that a broader balance line is being formed against China's influence in the Asia-Pacific. For Beijing, the real risk is considered to be the convergence of local powers in the region around a common security ground, rather than a unilateral intervention by the US.

Japan's increasing of its partnerships in the region by using diplomatic, economic, and military tools together could make the tension on the Beijing-Tokyo line more visible. According to experts, this process is a candidate to be one of the most critical security topics of the coming period in the Asia-Pacific.

News Source: 12punto