Japan’s promises to Transform Asian Geopolitics

Context

Japan’s Prime Minister (Fumio Kishida) addressed the US Congress and the developments from his summit meeting with President Joe Biden, announcing the arrival of a new, assertive Japan to the world.

Key Highlights

• After World War II, a defeated Japan followed a policy of pacifism. 
• Today, Japan is about to come forward to be a main military power, transforming its civilian industrial functionality into a military organisation complex. 
• From being a US protectorate, it will now become an American partner and a significant contributor to Asian and Indo-Pacific peace and security.

What is the Reason for this Radical Change? 

• A mix of outer and inner factors has contributed to its reorientation in the 21st century. 
• On the external front, the rise of China and North Korea; the deepening army bonds between Beijing and Moscow; and the fears that the USA may need to withdraw its safety protection to Japan. 
• Internally, this example bolstered conservatives in Tokyo, who desired to see Japan turning into a ‘global power’.

What Exactly is Japan Doing to Become a Geopolitical Power? 

• First, Japan has performed away with the historical cap (~1% of its GDP) on defence expenditure. 
• Second, Japan is in the system of similarly strengthening its counter-strike capability in the form of cruise missiles. 
• Third, Japan has eased its self-imposed ban on exports of deadly guns to friendly nations. Fourth, Japan-US are inside the manner of revising the command-and-control framework governing their defence forces.

Changes in the Diplomatic Posture of Japan

• Japan has made efforts to end disputes with South Korea and Japan has been one among Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the battle with Russia.

Implications of this ‘New’ Japan

• For the region: A politically active and militarily greater capable Japan will necessarily rearrange the local protection calculus.
• For India: A politically resolute and militarily robust Japan which can build a strong Asian equilibrium is a significant development.  
  • It contributes to India’s goal of building a multipolar Asia in a multipolar world.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC mains Practice Question

Q.Discuss Japan’s efforts in building a strong India-Japan relation that is important for peace in Asia-pacific.  (250 words)

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