Japan’s Diplomatic Dance with China Masks Rising Regional Threats

Japan finds itself navigating treacherous diplomatic waters as Beijing intensifies pressure over Taiwan, a flashpoint that directly impacts American security and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi’s recent declaration that Japan will pursue dialogue "at various levels" with China attempts to portray calm, but beneath this veneer lies a troubling reality: China's coercive diplomacy threatens regional stability and challenges U.S. alliances. Why Is Japan Embracing Dialogue While China Pushes Aggression? Motegi’s assertion that communication across multiple channels will "reduce concerns and increase understanding" sounds reassuring, yet it sidesteps a critical question: can meaningful dialogue succeed when one...