Japan´s bid for a warship project in Australia

FACTA

FUTURA

Japan to make a bid for Australia´s planned development of a new warship. Japan will compete with Spain, South Korea, and Germany to win the contract. It is the latest move in Japan´s effort in defence cooperation with like-minded countries, and one further step away from the pacifist stance adopted post-war. It would only be the second defense project linking Japan with an ally other than the USA. Increased interest in closer relations in the field of defence is driven by China´s growing military power in the region.

Japan´s increased efforts in defence cooperations with partners other than the US is a possible signal of the changing dynamics of the global and regional distribution of power. Pacifist for a long time, the country´s doctrine has been challenged by the increased presence of China in the region, as demonstrated by the frequent provocations in the form of vessels trespassing on the waters belonging to the neighbouring countries. Continuous departure from the original doctrine might also signal a deteriorating belief in the deterring power of the US as a world policeman and concerns regarding its commitment to support geopolitical partners in a time of need. Seeing divisions in the American society regarding the future role of the US in international relations, we may see further balancing initiatives from the US partners in the coming months also depending on the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections.