Japan’s new defense white paper sharpens aim at China
July 15, 2021
Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Jagannath Panda’s piece ‘Japan’s new defense white paper sharpens aim at China’ has been published in Asia Times.
The piece argues that the 2021 white paper explicates not only Japan’s future security outlook but also raises an alarm bell for the region on China. Tokyo’s concerns are becoming more China-focused, and Taiwan’s place is continuously growing in Japan’s security calculus. What remains to be seen, however, is the extent to which Tokyo can embrace Taiwan’s security and advocate for a collective security umbrella for Taipei. Nevertheless, seeking partnerships and more specific strategic alignments are distinct features of its 2021 white paper, leaving an encouraging note for India and many other countries in Asia and beyond.
