[Session 1] U.S.-Japan Alliance

Session: Session 1
Date/Time: April 23, 2019 / 13:00-14:30

Moderator:
Park Cheol Hee, Seoul National University

Speakers:
Kent E. Calder, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Richard McGregor, Lowy Institute
Tokuchi Hideshi, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
Wang Dong, Peking University

Panel Description
China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the region has compelled Japan to articulate the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and promote the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Whilst strengthening the alliance with the U.S. is a core pillar of its national security, Japan is hedging against the uncertainty in American foreign policy under President Trump, by seeking to improve its bilateral relations with China, Russia, and ASEAN member states. In line with its hedging strategy, Tokyo expressed strong support for Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. How can Japan reconcile its engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy? What is Japan’s role in the Indo-Pacific strategy? What are the implications of Washington’s call for a more equitable defense cost-sharing as it relates to the U.S.-Japan alliance and security in Northeast Asia? How can the U.S.-Japan alliance contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula? What is the U.S. role in promoting ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation?