East Asian Policy

Japan is charting a new path to its defence policy through internal and external balancing in a tense strategic environment defined by uncertainties. While external balancing refers to building wider networks of partners beyond its key security ally, the United States, internal balancing includes establishing new laws and policy reforms and building favourable public opinion. This essay argues that Japan is on the cusp of transformative changes in its defence roadmap, which nations around the Indo-Pacific and beyond will be watching carefully.

Since the 2010s, Japan has vigorously promoted security cooperation with countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expanding its breadth and depth. Tokyo has adapted to an evolving security environment by establishing a comprehensive and concentric framework for cooperation involving bilateral and multilateral channels. Japan’s burgeoning bilateral cooperation on defence equipment and technology and minilateral arrangements with the Philippines reflect its efforts to bolster regional stability and uphold shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan is viewed as the most trusted partner for ASEAN, including Indonesia, in several surveys. This paper argues that such a position must not be taken for granted as this perspective is historically contingent on strategic or economic calculations and multiple dynamics within Indonesia, Japan and the international system. Strengthening this relationship demands ongoing development to ensure mutual benefits.

This article revisits Malaysia’s 1982 Look East Policy (LEP) and examines its evolution amid contemporary Malaysia-Japan relations and geopolitical changes including intensifying US-China rivalry and China’s growing influence in the region. These developments present a new set of challenges and opportunities for Malaysia-Japan relations, necessitating a reevaluation of the LEP in today’s geopolitical climate. The article argues that despite China’s rising presence in the region, Japan remains significant to shaping Malaysia’s strategic outlook and regional stability.

On 13 January 2024, Taiwan elected Lai Ching-te as its new president, marking the first time a single political party won three consecutive times. Despite this victory, the Democratic Progressive Party did not secure a legislative majority, spelling a divided government. Meanwhile, China saw Lai as its foe and adopted a more hostile Taiwan policy. President Lai also faces a slow-growing economy, uncertain US relations and substantial challenges despite his party’s resources.

The Middle East is important to China as a major source of energy, a key node in its Belt and Road Initiative and an emerging venue for US-China rivalry. China’s deepening involvement in the Middle East can be divided into three dimensions: economic, strategic and cultural. China is careful not to become mired in Middle Eastern politics and regional countries generally welcome China’s growing engagement. China’s expanding footprint in the region may intensify US-China rivalry.

Since the announcement of the Belt and Road Initiative, Brunei Darussalam and China have strengthened economic and trade connections by establishing the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor and engaging in various multilateral platforms for China-ASEAN cooperation, notably the China-ASEAN Expo. This article assesses the achievements of Chinese foreign direct investment in Brunei, addresses ongoing challenges and provides insights into the current status and prospects of the bilateral cooperation.

In recent years, the Modi government has taken an active role in integrating regional infrastructure, participating in the geopolitical game in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific through infrastructure diplomacy and promoting development cooperation in the Global South. This paper examines India’s intentions and actions in integrating regional infrastructure. It also explores the prospects and impacts in the context of Modi 3.0’s shift to a ‘Bharat first’ foreign policy.