ENG | What’s Next for Japanese Security Policy and U.S.-Japan Relations? Perspectives from the Diet

The deteriorating security environment in the Indo-Pacific necessitates a strengthened U.S.-Japan alliance and a more proactive Japanese defense strategy. Increasing military cooperation between Russia, North Korea, and China, alongside the proliferation of AI-driven drones and missile threats, demands enhanced deterrence and supply chain resilience. Japan is prioritizing the development of standoff capabilities, cyber defense, and a national intelligence bureau while navigating the complexities of constitutional revision to clarify the status of the Self-Defense Forces. Although economic ties with China remain strained by geopolitical tensions and coercive trade practices, Japan seeks to maintain stability through strategic communication. The potential for a new U.S.-China diplomatic engagement, particularly regarding regional security and currency adjustments, remains a critical focus for Japanese policymakers as they balance fiscal constraints with the urgent need for modernized defense infrastructure and regional security cooperation.