Part 11/13:
The U.S.-Japan alliance remains central to Japan’s strategic posture, with Washington providing security assurances. However, as tensions escalate, Japan is increasingly asserting its own military autonomy by developing missile capabilities capable of reaching mainland China by 2026.
Geopolitical Flashpoints and the Future Outlook
The Taiwan Strait: A Potential Crisis Zone
The Taiwan Strait is considered by many experts as the most dangerous flashpoint in the U.S.-China rivalry. With China’s military drills near Taiwan and Japan’s new bases close to the disputed islets, the risk of miscalculation rises. Japan’s extensive militarization of its southern islands signals an intent to prepare for possible conflict, but also raises fears of provoking further escalation.