Carnegie’s Japan Initiative was established by the Asia Program in 2012. Led by Senior Fellow James L. Schoff, and in collaboration with experts across Carnegie’s global network, the initiative informs current policy debates by looking broadly at security, economic, and political developments in Japan, the U.S.-Japan alliance, and the alliance’s role in a dynamic Asia
Nobukatsu Kanehara, Akio Takahara, Amy Searight, and Patricia M. Kim confer with James L. Schoff and Matake Kamiya on the evolving Japanese and American perspectives toward China and prospects in the year ahead.
Most U.S. policymakers tend to see their Japanese counterparts as alliance advocates, but other viewpoints may also shed light on what lies ahead for the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Ordinary Americans’ views of China have fallen in line with the skeptical views of U.S. policymakers on both sides of the aisle, with significant implications for the future of the bilateral relationship.
The United States and Japan do not have to upend globalization to compete effectively with China. The challenge for Tokyo and Washington is to leverage their common concerns about Beijing’s economic behavior and minimize the differences between their respective approaches.
The United States and Japan should collaborate with each other to keep their edge, as China increasingly becomes a competitor in high-tech sectors.
Despite being bound by a number of linguistic, cultural, economic, and philosophical ties, the relationship between China and Japan has often been defined by mutual suspicion and even conflict, which has left deep and persistent scars that continue to challenge bilateral relations.
Washington and Tokyo should continue to consult with each other to ensure that trade frictions with China do not disrupt their economic relationship.
The United States and Japan should collaborate with other like-minded countries to uphold suitable standards for infrastructure financing and development.
Washington and Tokyo should remain in sync as they respond to China’s resurgence in various domains.
Washington and Tokyo should proactively keep common ground amid rising tensions between mainland China and Taiwan.
Washington and Tokyo should bolster the resilience of their alliance to counter China’s increasingly sophisticated and capable military forces.
The United States and Japan must continue to meet the challenge of Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions together.