The Asia-Pacific Region is one of the geographies where global security is most fragile and security concerns are at their peak. This situation is also leading regional states to polarize and form pacts through security-based agreements. At the same time, regional states are forced to make a choice in the competition between China and the United States of America (USA) due to these perceived security concerns and threat perceptions. Due to these fears, regional states are increasing their defense and military spending, especially in the context of their national security.
In this context, it can be argued that Tokyo is developing its relations and dialogues with the West and is focusing on its military power. Indeed, it can be inferred that Japan is implementing an increasingly proactive and pro-Western policy. One of the most important reasons for this is the threats it perceives in its immediate vicinity, especially from North Korea, which has increased its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. China, one of the powers next to Japan, is the world’s second largest economy.[1]and North Korea is one of the world’s major nuclear powers.[2]
At this point, it can be inferred that Japan, which has a pacifist constitution, is trying to reverse this situation. Because it is the world’s fourth largest economy.[3]It can be said that Japan is one of the most prominent states in terms of both its geostrategic location and its rising military power. Because Japan is the most influential actor in the region after China.
However, it can be stated that Japan’s being an important ally of both the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the Asia-Pacific Region and its being accepted as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is of critical importance.
Indeed, all these situations have made Japan a state that has increased its influence both regionally and globally. It can be argued that these developments have placed Tokyo in a key position in the eyes of the West, especially regionally, in the competition between Washington and Beijing. Because of the news that NATO is planning to open a liaison office in Japan in order to ensure stronger and more effective coordination with Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and the states it cooperates with in the Asia-Pacific Region,[4]It proves Japan’s importance in the eyes of the United States and NATO.
It can be argued that the situation in question also benefits the West. Because it is known that the West is trying to gain influence in the Asia-Pacific by containing China and limiting North Korea’s nuclear activities. In fact, Japan is also creating an area of action for Western states in the region with this new policy.
However, it can also be argued that the situation in question will create discomfort for China. Because in a Beijing-based assessment, it can be said that China will be the state that will be most disturbed by the situation in the region. This discomfort can be considered from two perspectives. The first of these is the global influence struggle between the US and China. Because while such a struggle is in question and Washington is trying to increase pressure on Beijing via Taiwan and the South China Sea by surrounding China with various alliances in the Asia-Pacific; it can be said that this move by NATO will create a very serious security concern for China. This situation can be reciprocated by China increasing its military capacity more rapidly. Moreover, although it cannot be called a full-fledged expansion, this move by NATO may lead to China accelerating its goals of unification with Taiwan, just like in the example of the Russia-Ukraine War.
China’s continued development of its military technological capabilities has confronted Japan with strategic security concerns. Japan is particularly concerned about China’s investments in its naval force and air force. China’s rising image in the Asia-Pacific region shapes Japan’s security policies and encourages efforts to develop its defense capabilities.
On the other hand, Japan’s strong military alliance with the US is often viewed negatively by China. China does not want the US to increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and sees Japan’s alliance as a threat to its own security interests.
As a result, it can be argued that the security equations in the Asia-Pacific are becoming increasingly complex, the polarization in the region has reached its maximum level and the security dilemmas have deepened. This leads to the deepening of crises in the region and makes the security environment fragile.
[1] “The World’s Largest Economies”, World Data Info, https://www.worlddata.info/largest-economies.php, (Access Date: 31.12.2024).
[2]““Is it Time to Accept North Korea is A Nuclear Power?”, Cable News Network World, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/28/asia/north-korea-nuclear-threat-solution-analysis-intl -hnk/index.html, (Access Date: 31.12.2024).
[3] “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, (Access Date: 31.12.2024).
[4] “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, (Access Date: 31.12.2024).
