East China Sea is Japan’s top security challenge

Photo Source: Day Donaldson/Flickr

Tensions in the South China Sea have been in the international spotlight over the past few months. In Japan, there has been significant debate over the country’s potential role as a U.S. regional ally in ensuring freedom of navigation and the promotion of a rules-based order in the region. But while the South China Sea continues to be an important regional issue, the potential for increased tensions in the East China Sea remains the most important security challenge for Japan.

Last year witnessed a small improvement in the strained relationship between Japan and China. Following an “ice-breaker” meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met in Jakarta in April during another international meeting. These bilateral meetings were followed by the official resumption of the Trilateral Leaders’ Summit, which also involves South Korea. During the Trilateral meeting, Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made time to meet on bilateral issues.

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