Navigating Great Power Competition: Maximizing Japan’s Position Between the U.S. and China

Abstract

In the 21st-century world order, Japan finds itself trapped between two major powers, the United States and China. The United States is Japan’s most important ally, providing crucial security for Japan while sharing a mutually beneficial economic relationship. China likewise represents a key economic partner and potential collaborator for Japan. However, China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region presents several security and economic concerns for Japan. Furthermore, the United States’ increasingly tumultuous relationship with China puts Japan in a precarious position where it must balance appeasing its long-term ally while also accommodating to China’s rising presence in the region. The decline of the United States and the rise of China have thus forced Japan to rethink and reposition itself between the two powers. Japan must address how to best serve its national interests while adjusting to the shifting global order.