China/Japan: Redefining Coexistence
When dealing with China, Japan has assumed a position that protects its economic cooperation with Beijing, ensures Chinese aggressive strategies are deterred and guarantees its overall economic security: security of supply, autonomy in technological development, etc.
The US-Japanese alliance, which has been reinforced and is based on regional agreements, aims to provide a systemic counterweight to China. The worsening in US-China relations could make Tokyo's balancing act more difficult to maintain.
Céline Pajon is Research Fellow, Head of Japan Research, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri.