IIA Pacific Report

(June 2024 No.15) IIA Pacific Report

Author
admiia
Date
2024-07-19
Views
373
The Institute of International Affairs has released the new Pacific Report No. 15.

In this issue, Professor Ryo Sahashi of the University of Tokyo contributed an article titled 'A Vision Toward Expanding the Japan-Korea Partnership in the New World Order.'

Professor Sahashi explains that to ensure the security of its territory, Japan feels the urgent need to enhance its defense capabilities in response to China's military expansion and to keep America engaged in the region.

More importantly for Japan, South Korea appears as a fellow regional major power that should align and deepen collaboration, as a partner, amidst great power rivalries and changing geopolitical landscapes, given their similar concerns and constraints.

Both perceive the relationship with the United States as indispensable for securing safety. Moreover, their views align in seeing China as a strategic challenge and neighbor with whom a “constructive and stable relationship” should be established.

Professor Sahashi comments that it is essential to remember that the Japan-Korea relationship has evolved through a deep societal embrace of liberty and human rights and will continue to do so.