February 21

【Part 1】 US-China Competition and the Indo-Pacific region : Special Session: Maritime Security around Japan

In light of China's deepening military cooperation with Russia in the western Pacific and China's maritime blockade exercise around Taiwan in August 2022, discussions focused on assessing the situation in the Taiwan Strait and determining how Japan, the United States, and Taiwan should work together.

With the peace and security of the Taiwan Strait threatened by China's military threats, Japan's revision of its national security strategy and related documents to make a greater contribution to regional security through increased defense spending and the introduction of counterstrike capabilities was highly appreciated. Compared to US-Taiwan security cooperation, Japan-Taiwan security cooperation is still in its infancy, but the importance of starting information sharing as soon as possible was pointed out. Opinions were divided on whether the US should abandon its strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan's defense.

The need to expand cooperation with South Korea, India, and other countries was also discussed. In the event of a Taiwan contingency, South Korea is expected to deter a military invasion by North Korea, and the need for further cooperation in securing maritime transport routes during peacetime was pointed out. Although India is cautious about the Taiwan issue due to the Sino-Indian border dispute, it is still considered an important partner due to its deep economic ties with Taiwan.

Regarding the ongoing gray zone situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea caused by the China Coast Guard and maritime militias, it was pointed out that it is necessary for the affected parties to enhance their monitoring capabilities and share information among regional partners on infringements of their sovereignty by China.

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