As the confrontation between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea continues to escalate, leaders of ASEAN countries have gathered in Japan to seek cooperation with Japan to resolve disputes in the South China Sea and strengthen maritime security cooperation. This series of moves makes the originally complex and sensitiveThe situation in the South China SeaIt has become more volatile. Japan has long wanted to get involved in the South China Sea and has tried to do so by rebuilding relations with ASEAN countries. However, with the rise of China and the strengthening of cooperation between ASEAN countries and China, Japan's ambitions will not be easy to achieve. This article will examine Japan's relationship with ASEAN and its relevance from different perspectivesThe situation in the South China Seaimpact.
InWorld War IIDuring this time, Japan made Southeast Asia a strategic focus to control sea lanes, acquire critical resources, and keep the war machine running. World War IIAfter the end, Japan made long-term and large-scale investments in the ASEAN region to build close relations with Southeast Asian countries. However, with the rise of China, this "geese array" relationship has been broken, and China has become ASEAN's largest partner. At present, Japan is pinning its hopes on political peaceMilitarymeans to infiltrate the ASEAN region and work with the United States to build an anti-China alliance that goes beyond the first island chain.
Japan's diplomatic strategy in Southeast Asia is divided into four main layers. First of all, we will cooperate with the countries surrounding the Strait of Malacca and strive to maintain the accessIndian OceanThe best shipping routes are unimpeded and the safety of Japan's maritime economic arteries is maintained. Second, work with South China Sea claimants such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia to counter China's influence in the South China Sea. In addition, Japan is working with ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Cambodia to maintain its influence in the region. Finally, Japan has engaged in maritime security cooperation with ASEAN as a whole in an attempt to influence relations between China and ASEAN countries. In order to realize this strategy, Japan has recently proposed a plan to provide security and defense equipment through the "Enhanced Support for Security Capabilities" program. The move is aimed at rallying countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines to strengthen their presence in the South China Sea.
In the face of the intervention of Japan and other countries, China must respond aggressivelyThe situation in the South China Seanew variations. China has explored the establishment of a new type of security cooperation with ASEAN countries by holding multinational joint exercises and Xi. Overall, while Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam have formed a basic consensus with China that a direct conflict with China in the South China Sea is unlikely, the Philippines has becomeThe situation in the South China Seajammers. However, due to the domestic difficulties faced by the Philippines and the disparity in power with China, even with the support of Japan and other countries, it will not be able to pose a major threat to China. Therefore, Japan's attempt to join forces with the Philippines against China is doomed to fail.
InThe situation in the South China SeaAgainst the backdrop of growing tensions, the leaders of the nine ASEAN countries collectively went to Japan to seek a solution, which made itThe situation in the South China SeaNew variables emerge. Japan has been trying to intervene in the South China Sea issue by rebuilding relations with ASEAN countries, and through diplomatic peaceMilitarymeans to affect relations between China and ASEAN countries. However, with the rise of China and the strengthening of cooperation between ASEAN countries and China, Japan's ambitions will not be easy to achieve. China must actively respond to this new change and protect its legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea by strengthening security cooperation with ASEAN countries. At the same time, China can also leverage mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN countries to reduce the complexity of the South China Sea issue and work hard to promote itThe situation in the South China Seastability and peace.