Japan’s politico-strategic proactivism for a peaceful Indo-Pacific
Dr. Anudeep Gujjeti
Japan finds itself navigating an increasingly volatile regional landscape marked by mounting security challenges. China’s aggressive posturing in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, coupled with North Korea’s persistent nuclear threat, underscores a precarious security environment in the Indo-Pacific. Adding to this complexity is Russia’s growing partnership with North Korea and China, presenting potential threats. Against this backdrop, Japan has ramped up efforts to deepen security cooperation with like-minded neighbours, fostering partnerships to ensure stability and peace in the region.
The urgency of Japan’s efforts is further heightened by Donald Trump’s return to the White House. During his first term, Trump pressured Japan to contribute more financially to the United States (US) security umbrella thus challenging the Japanese traditional approaches to defence spending. With Japan’s defence budget already set to increase to 2% of GDP by 2027, the Japanese lawmakers are concerned that Trump may persuade Japan to allocate even more to its defence. This potential shift underscores the need for Japan to not only bolster its own military capabilities but also enhance the deterrence capacities of regional partners.
Japan has proactively embraced this challenge through initiatives such as the Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, which aims to strengthen the security and deterrence capabilities of like-minded countries. This approach seeks to prevent unilateral attempts to alter the regional status quo by force, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Recent diplomatic engagements by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya exemplify Japan’s strategic focus on fostering robust security cooperation within the region.
Summit Meetings with Malaysia and Indonesia
Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit to Malaysia and Indonesia 9-12 January 2025 highlighted Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and regional security cooperation. During his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Ishiba emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, aligning with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in several critical areas, including maritime safety, cyber security, and defence capability enhancement. Japan’s provision of surveillance equipment, including rescue boats, under the OSA program demonstrates its tangible support for Malaysia’s security needs.
In Indonesia, Ishiba held a productive summit with President Prabowo Subianto, where the focus was on maritime security cooperation. Japan committed to providing high-speed patrol boats to the Indonesian Navy under the OSA program and agreed to launch defence consultations on maritime security and technology cooperation. Moreover, both leaders agreed to hold a Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting (2+2) in 2025. Both nations also affirmed the significance of people-to-people ties, particularly through defence personnel exchanges, reflecting a long-term strategy to build trust and operational synergy.
These partnerships with Malaysia and Indonesia are not only about bilateral ties but also a strategic alignment against China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Both nations, Indonesia and Malaysia, share Japan’s concerns over maintaining an international order based on the rule of law and preventing unilateral changes to the regional status quo.
Reinforcing Ties with the Philippines and South Korea
Foreign Minister Iwaya’s diplomatic engagements with the Philippines and South Korea further underscore Japan’s regional security priorities. In Manila, Iwaya met with Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo to discuss enhancing trilateral cooperation with the US, focusing on maritime security, cybersecurity, and economic resilience. The ministers reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ maritime security capabilities through the OSA and Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. These initiatives are particularly significant as the Philippines faces escalating tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
In South Korea, Iwaya held talks with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, emphasizing the importance of Japan-South Korea collaboration in light of shared challenges, including North Korea’s nuclear threat and its growing military cooperation with Russia. The meeting highlighted the need to institutionalize trilateral cooperation between Japan, South Korea, and the US, ensuring a coordinated response to regional security concerns.
Strategic Vision for Regional Stability
Japan’s approach reflects a broader strategic vision to strengthen its own defence capabilities while fostering a network of regional partnerships to enhance regional security. The OSA program serves as a cornerstone of this strategy, providing allies with the tools needed to counterbalance China’s maritime advances and deter other potential aggressors. These efforts are not merely reactive but part of a proactive endeavour to shape a security environment favourable to Japan and its neighbours. Moreover, Japan’s commitment to addressing non-traditional security challenges, such as disaster management and economic security, reinforces its role as a responsible regional leader. For instance, during Ishiba’s visits to Malaysia and Indonesia, discussions extended to infrastructure development, energy security, and decarbonization, reflecting a holistic approach to stability that integrates economic and environmental resilience with traditional security measures.
As Japan navigates a complex and uncertain regional environment, its strategy of deepening security cooperation with neighbours like Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea reflects a calculated response to emerging threats. By enhancing its own defence capabilities and supporting the deterrence capacities of its partners, Japan aims to prevent unilateral changes to the status quo and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In the face of challenges posed by China’s assertiveness, North Korea’s provocations, and Russia’s expanding influence, Japan’s diplomatic and security initiatives signify its resolve to uphold a rules-based international order. Through programs like the OSA and its commitment to regional partnerships, Japan is not only safeguarding its own interests but also contributing to the regional security of the Indo-Pacific.
Dr. Anudeep Gujjeti is Assistant Professor at the Center of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies, REVA University, Bengaluru.
