March 2

Roundtable Featuring JIIA Strategic Annual Report 2021

The intensifying US-China competition in the Indo-Pacific region was examined from the angles of values, technologies and security. The situation in Ukraine was also actively discussed.

With regard to the US-China competition, the importance of strengthening deterrence by the United States and its allies and enhancing economic security cooperation among democracies including those in Europe was emphasized in discussing how to respond to China’s growing power. On the other hand, the argument was also made that the rise of China should be accepted and the multipolarity of the Indo-Pacific region, including middle power coalitions, should be embraced. The view was expressed that, unlike during the Cold War, the US-China relationship is a competition within the same system where the importance of value is secondary and the economic decoupling is partial, and that ways of coexistence and cooperation should be sought.

Regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it was pointed out that this action could mark a fundamental turning point for the international order, bringing about a dramatic change in Europe's perception of security and the unity of the West. Views were also expressed about the importance of a diplomatic solution. It was pointed out that such flagrant challenge to the most fundamental international norms makes it all the more important for countries and regions that share democratic values to work together to defend the international order, and the view was expressed that discussions on the reform of the UN Security Council should be accelerated.

Regarding Japan, it was pointed out that this is a key year for Japan's security policy, and that Japan should further deepen its cooperation with the United States and become an anchor linking the United States to the Indo-Pacific region. Conversely, it was suggested that Japan should not blindly follow the United States but instead pursue its own foreign policy from a broader perspective.

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