As Tokyo Sharpens Its Economic Security Strategy, Has Seikei Bunri Run Its Course?
November 11, 2021
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Titli Basu’s article ‘As Tokyo Sharpens its Economic Security Strategy, Has Seikei Bunri Run its Course?’ has been published in ‘Australian Outlook’ (Australian Institute of International Affairs) on November 11, 2021.
Tokyo’s strategic discourse on economic security — a core pillar of the national security debate — got a major boost when Prime Minister Kishida Fumio instituted the cabinet position of economic security minister. Driving innovation, productivity, competitiveness, and growth while sensitising the private sector to economic security risks presents a gargantuan challenge as Japanese business interests are deeply entrenched in the Chinese market. As Japan connects the dots on economic security strategy, businesses may perceive it as government intervention wearing down predictability. But the aim is not to engage in a zero-sum game with the world’s number two economy, but to alleviate risks and fortify national security while doing business with China.
