The KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs

Changing Security Dynamics in East Asia: Analyzing Sino-Japanese Cooperation

Saume Saptaparna Nath

Research Associate (on leave), the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA), Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is currently pursuing her Masters in the Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University, Japan.

Abstract

This study seeks to elucidate the imperative of Sino-Japanese cooperation against the backdrop of shifting global dynamics, with particular emphasis on the geopolitical landscape of East Asia. The contemporary international order finds itself in a state of flux, driven by ongoing geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the simmering tensions in the Taiwan Strait. These multifaceted crises have engendered not only volatility in energy markets, inflationary pressures, and disruptions in global supply chains but have also underscored systemic challenges in global governance mechanisms. Consequently, the proliferation of nuclear capabilities, an intensification of arms races, geopolitical polarization, and erosion of established norms of international law and multilateral cooperation have emerged as salient features of the current geopolitical landscape. Within the realm of East Asian security dynamics, persistent geopolitical fault lines have injected a palpable sense of uncertainty. Central to the endeavor of fostering regional stability is the imperative of shared leadership between two pivotal actors, Japan and China. Despite the looming specter of geopolitical flashpoints such as the Taiwan Strait Crisis and maritime disputes in the East China Sea, the prospect of cooperation and convergence between these two East Asian powers, both economically and strategically, has garnered increasing attention. Consequently, this paper contends that the improvement of relations between Tokyo and Beijing holds the potential to galvanize momentum toward the consolidation of a mutually beneficial strategic partnership, thereby exerting a profound influence not only on their respective security imperatives but also on the broader stability calculus in East Asia.

Keywords: East Asia, Security, Geo-Political Hotspots, Cooperation, Stability, Strategic Rivalry.