ARTICLES

24 Feb 2026

Japan’s Growing Hard-power Profile: Implications for Southeast Asia

Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan

Japan is emerging as a consequential hard-power player, expanding its deterrence and defence-industrial capabilities, as well as its regional and global defence networks. As Japan strengthens its military posture, Southeast Asian states are under mounting pressure to navigate the intensifying Tokyo-Beijing rivalry while carefully managing domestic sensitivities.

9 Jan 2026

Takaichi and Taiwan: When Deterrence Looks Like Provocation

William Choong|Kei Koga

Chinese reactions to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments about Japan's involvement in a Taiwan contingency have an element of political theatre. Beijing is adopting a more sophisticated strategy of isolating Tokyo on the issue.

China Japan Taiwan

28 Jan 2025

Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty?

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.

Indonesia Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Malaysia

18 Dec 2024

Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.

Japan South Korea U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy

11 Dec 2024

Making Carbon Trading Work: Exploring Collaboration between Japan and ASEAN Countries

Julie de los Reyes|Katrina Navallo

Julie de los Reyes and Katrina Navallo suggest several strategies to make carbon trading between Japan and ASEAN effective.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

14 Oct 2024

Ishiba’s New Security Proposals: A Bridge Too Far for ASEAN?

Tang Siew Mun

New Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba has brought some new security proposals to the region. They are unlikely to find a warm reception.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

9 Oct 2024

The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Complementing and Cementing the Hub-and-Spokes System

Aries A. Arugay|Mico A Galang

Signed in July 2024, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines facilitates regular exchanges and activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF). This should be seen as an act of strategic autonomy on the part of both countries to address shared security interests in the maritime domain.

Defence Japan Maritime Security Philippines

20 Aug 2024

Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Cooperation

Asha Hemrajani|Mae Chow

Given the spectre of rising cyber threats in the region, Japan and ASEAN member countries are best-placed to work together to boost cyber resilience.

Cyber Security Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

8 Aug 2024

Japan, the Courteous Power, Bares Some Teeth for Regional Stability

William Choong|Joanne Lin

Among ASEAN dialogue partners, Japan has been recognised as a “courteous power” that aligns well with Southeast Asian cultural norms and values. Beyond that, Japan has emerged as the most trusted and strategically relevant middle power to ASEAN. This positions it to play a greater security role in the region.

ASEAN Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

31 Jul 2024

Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Part of a Bigger Puzzle

Aries A. Arugay

William Choong, Fulcrum’s Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the recent Japan-Philippines reciprocal access agreement with Dr Aries Arugay, the coordinator of the institute’s Philippines Studies Programme, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science, at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Japan Philippine South China Sea