# Japan
Latest news and articles about Japan
Total: 85 articles found
Middle East Pulls U.S. Forces, Tests Alliances in Asia — and Hands Beijing a Talking Point
The diversion of U.S. military assets from East Asia to the Middle East has intensified doubts among allies about American reliability and highlighted the strategic risks of host‑nation basing. Seoul and Tokyo face renewed domestic pressure to diversify defence options, while Beijing is leveraging the episode to promote regional security alternatives that reduce dependence on the United States.
When Washington Looks East to the Gulf: How the Middle East Crisis Is Exposing U.S. Alliances in Asia
The U.S. diversion of air‑defence systems and ships to the Persian Gulf has exposed limits in American alliance guarantees, unsettling South Korea and Japan. The episode underscores the strategic dilemma facing Asian partners: reliance on U.S. forces can create capability gaps and increase political and physical exposure, prompting moves toward greater self‑reliance and regional security reorganisation.
‘I’m Meeting Trump’: Japan PM’s Dismissive Reply on U.S. and Israel Draws Public Outcry
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s curt reply — “Because I’m going to see Trump” — when asked why Japan condemns Iran but not the U.S. or Israel provoked online outrage and intensified scrutiny of Tokyo’s diplomatic posture. The episode underlines tensions between maintaining a close U.S. alliance and preserving Japan’s normative credibility, while exposing political risks at home from perceptions of dismissiveness and poor decorum.
Allies Exposed: How US Moves to the Middle East Are Recasting Asian Security
A Chinese commentary argues recent U.S. redeployments of air-defence systems and ships from Korea and Japan to the Middle East reveal the limits of American security guarantees and expose host nations to greater risk. The piece urges Asian states to pursue greater defence autonomy and regional security arrangements to avoid becoming collateral victims of distant conflicts.
Japan’s Lithography Crown Slips: Why a Once‑Untouchable Industry Is Losing Ground
Japanese lithography firms that once led the world are losing ground as the industry pivots to EUV technology, dominated by a Dutch incumbent. Technological lag, market consolidation and geopolitical export controls have combined to weaken Japan’s position, with implications for global chip supply chains and national industrial policy.
U.S. Pullback, Japan’s Takaichi and a Renewed Dokdo Fight — Seoul Responds Swiftly
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, renewed Tokyo’s claims over the disputed Dokdo/Takeshima islets, drawing a forceful rebuttal from South Korea amid public unease and a perceived U.S. security pullback. The episode highlights how small territorial flashpoints can be amplified by domestic politics and shifts in alliance posture, raising the risk of prolonged diplomatic tension in an already fragile Northeast Asian security environment.
Trump Publicly Presses Allies to Send Ships to Strait of Hormuz, Singling Out South Korea
President Trump publicly urged allies including South Korea to contribute warships to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing some of ingratitude for U.S. protection. Allies have been hesitant to commit forces, with Germany declining and South Korea constrained by domestic politics and legal procedures for overseas deployments.
Asia’s Race Against the “Oil Wall”: Which Countries Will Run Out First?
A collapse of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz has left Asia exposed to acute fuel shortages. While China’s reserves offer a many‑month buffer, several East and Southeast Asian economies could exhaust stocks within 20–74 days, prompting price controls, subsidies and potential rationing.
Japan Takes Delivery of Tomahawks and JSMs, Signalling a New Phase in Its Strike Capability
Japan has taken delivery of US Tomahawk cruise missiles and Norway’s JSM for its F-35As, a notable expansion of its long-range strike options. The move drew criticism from PLA-affiliated Chinese media and highlights Tokyo’s ongoing shift toward counterstrike capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
Allies Hedge as Trump Urges Multinational Escort for Strait of Hormuz Shipping
President Trump urged France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send warships to escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but France and Japan have refused and South Korea said it will consider the request carefully while the UK is discussing options. The muted allied responses highlight strains in coalition-building and leave Washington facing a choice between unilateral action, which risks escalation, or renewed diplomatic efforts to secure the waterway.
Allies Hedge as Trump Urges Multinational Naval Escorts in the Strait of Hormuz
President Trump urged allied navies to escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but France, Japan, South Korea and the UK offered largely cautious or negative replies. The responses highlight allies’ reluctance to join a potentially escalatory military intervention and complicate Washington’s options amid halted shipping and rising regional tensions with Iran.
Japan’s Cost-No-Object Bid for Rare-Earth Independence Meets a Hard Reality
Japan has escalated efforts to end reliance on Chinese rare earths, investing in foreign suppliers, deep‑sea exploration and substitution technologies. Despite a new ‘cost‑no‑object’ posture and allied cooperation, technical, environmental and industrial hurdles mean Japan cannot quickly displace China’s refining dominance.