For Japan, 'There's No Substitute for the United States'ーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Why It Matters

How Japan balances relations with the US and China will shape Indo-Pacific security, trade and multilateral cooperation; solidifying the US–Japan alliance beyond summit diplomacy is key to regional stability as global power dynamics shift.

Summary

Joshua Walker, president of the Japan Society, told NHK that last week’s US–China summit was driven by personalities and Beijing’s push for parity, leaving Tokyo watching nervously as Washington and Beijing steer the global order. He urged Japan to engage directly with both the US and China to avoid being sidelined, while stressing that Tokyo’s security anchor remains its alliance with Washington. Walker warned the current high-point in US–Japan ties is personality-driven and must be institutionalized through deeper economic, cultural and people-to-people links to endure. He also argued Japan should act as a pragmatic middle power—strengthening ties with regional partners while complementing US alliances.

Original Description

In an exclusive interview, Japan Society head Joshua Walker discusses PM Takaichi's "unique" relationship with President Trump and the future of Japan-US ties.

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