East Asia

Japan and the Philippines Bolster Defense Ties Amid South China Sea Tensions
Lanie Tang Lanie Tang

Japan and the Philippines Bolster Defense Ties Amid South China Sea Tensions

 As China’s assertiveness grows in the South China Sea, Japan and the Philippines have further deepened their security partnership. Building on the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which allows Japanese forces to deploy in the Philippines for military and humanitarian operations, the two countries signed a new defense framework enhancing technology sharing. The initiative signals mounting regional concerns over China’s actions and reflects Japan’s expanding role as a key security player on the global stage.

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Japan and EU Forge Strategic Defense Pact Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific
East Asia Nazea Kamal East Asia Nazea Kamal

Japan and EU Forge Strategic Defense Pact Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific

In a historic move on Nov. 1, Japan and the European Union joined together in formalizing a security and defense partnership aimed at addressing growing problems within the Indo-Pacific region. The pact signifies a deepening relationship between Tokyo and Brussels, as both raise concerns over increasing Chinese influence as well as heightened Russian military aggression.

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A New Chapter: Japan and South Korea Soften Relations
East Asia Tai Halpern East Asia Tai Halpern

A New Chapter: Japan and South Korea Soften Relations

On Sunday Oct. 21, Japan, South Korea, and the US conducted their first joint aerial exercise near the Korean Peninsula. The exercise comes on the heels of revived tensions between North Korea and its two Northeast Asian neighbors, as well as continued efforts to soften South Korean-Japanese relations due to the growing threat of China.

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Breaking Up the Unification Church of Japan
East Asia Rebecca Locher East Asia Rebecca Locher

Breaking Up the Unification Church of Japan

Last year’s assassination of the Japanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched a year-long examination into the Unification Church, ending on Friday, October 13, 2023, with the Japanese government officially asking the Tokyo District Court to legally dissolve the Church.

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