Earlier this month, the new Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi scored a major election victory, solidifying her party’s control in Japan’s national parliament. This win has given her an impressive mandate for change and will inevitably impact regional security in the Asia-Pacific.
Takaichi has shown an inclination to challenge China directly. This, along with her perceived effectiveness in partnering with President Donald Trump, constitute key parts of her foreign policy program, which appealed to the Japanese electorate.
From the U.S. point of view, it’s good to have a strong, unified ally in Japan. But there are also risks to consider as Tokyo aims to shed some of its traditional caution in the realm of national defense.
Washington should steer Tokyo in the right direction by urging Takaichi to double down on arms and doctrines that are defensive, encouraging her to move away from ideological grandstanding and facilitating bold diplomatic initiatives by Japan and greater foreign policy realism.
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