The escalating US-China. strategic conflict and Japan's way forward

Abstract

Initially, there were concerns in Japan and other Asian nations that the Biden administration would be too soft against China, unlike the former Trump administration. This is because the preceding Obama administration gave the impression that it could not take a tough stance toward China, especially in the South China Sea, as it sought cooperation on the issue of climate change. However, with Presdient Joe Biden now in office, the United States has shown a surprisingly tough position against China, quite similar to that of the Trump era. In particular, a harsh attitude stands out concerning Taiwan, human rights, and the Senkaku Islands, issues which China is most sensitive to. In order to impose stronger pressure on China, the Biden administration is striving to deepen its cooperation with allies and partners. President Biden hosted the first summit meeting of the Quad members, the US, Japan, Australia and India, on 12 March. He also invited Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to the White House on 16 April as his first face-to-face meeting. In these series of talks, Washington sought to further enhance cooperation on China policy.