Escalation of Tensions Between China and Japan: Should There Be a Paradigm Shift in Japanese Foreign Policy?

Abstract

The dispute between China and Japan is a manifestation of the growing Chinese influence in the region. China has been making steady progress on the economic and military front and the recent advances in military technology have US forces in a very vulnerable position. China may perhaps harbor thoughts on taking over Taiwan. The Chinese Navy and Air force have made threatening maneuvers in and around the Pacific Ocean sending strong signals to Japan and US and it is a force to be reckoned with. The Chinese military buildup in the region and the converting of an Island in the Spratly Islands into a military facility clearly the contrary, there has been marked lack of progress on the Japanese navy to counter China threat and the US forces have been spread across the globe for countering other threats. Japan also cannot entirely rely on the US security umbrella finalized during the Second World War. This article focuses on the hard choices Japan is faced with in the wake of growing Chinese influence not only in the Pacific region but also in the Indian Ocean. This article also tries to build a strong case for Japan and the diplomatic and security measures it would have to adopt in countering the threat from China.