ABSTRACT
This chapter look at Japan’s changed perception of East Asia and what new role it might play in security matters in the Pacific Basin. Japan’s adherence to a bipolar world view finds expression in its conviction that a militarily strong United States is sufficient to guarantee stability and security in East Asia, and that its international diplomacy must be subordinated to that arrangement. The security dimensions of the Sino-Japanese relationship have intensified as can be seen in the increased exchanges of military personnel and information. Since South Korea and Japan have a security treaty with the United States, both countries cooperate in the maintenance of a joint air defense identification zone. Both the Japanese and the American governments argue that in such a case Japan’s security would also be at stake and it would, therefore, have an interest in helping its American ally.
