ABSTRACT
Under this rising strategic uncertainties that pose a challenge to the LIO, indicated by the assertive rise of China and Russian aggressions in Ukraine, how does Japan, the foremost US ally in East Asia, respond? Since 2016, Japan has attempted to prioritize a new geostrategic area called the Indo-Pacific, launching the concept of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP); promoting the “Partnership for the Quality Infrastructure”; and resurrecting a strategic consultation group with the United States, Australia, and India, the so-called Quad. All those efforts are aligned with the protection of the LIO. However, Japan’s approach toward the LIO is not entirely congruent with that of the United States or the European Union. I argue that Japan has maintained its own traditional approach to enhance the LIO. Particularly, in its political aspect, while implicitly adhering to the principle of non-interference, Japan emphasizes the importance of the vital elements of the LIO, such as the rule of law, free market, and economic prosperity at the international level. This approach plays a bridging role between non-democratic states and advanced democracies, and emphasizing the concept of “human security,” Japan attempts to promote liberal values in a non-coercive way, such as diplomatic dialogs, human development, and social interactions. This practice is likely to continue in the future and provide certain geopolitical space to prevent non-democratic states from bandwagoning with China as it leaves Japan room to continuously engage small and medium powers.
