Summary of Key Points
Recent military actions by the United States and Japan (Japan's new Defense White Paper, which identifies China as the "greatest strategic challenge," and the establishment of a national intelligence agency similar to the WWII-era "Tokko Choka") combined with Japan's avoidance of its history of aggression, have put Asia-Pacific security at risk of camp-based confrontation and arms escalation. The article calls on Asia to abandon exclusive security blocs and, based on the Bandung Spirit and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, to build an inclusive regional security framework. It also emphasizes the need for economic resilience (such as reducing dependence on U.S. energy and financial hegemony) to prevent the region from sliding into conflicts between major powers.
Why Do These Actions by the US and Japan Worry Asian Neighbors?
Japan's new defense white paper does not appear to be an objective assessment; rather, it serves as a pretext for militarization, depicting China as an "unprecedented strategic challenge" and suggesting for the first time the need to cooperate with allies. The establishment of a national intelligence agency in July has broken the post-war pattern of decentralized intelligence gathering, drawing comparisons to the WWII-era Tokko Choka (Japan's espionage organization). Additionally, Japan's refusal to fully acknowledge the crimes of Unit 731 and its evasion of the Tokyo Trials raise concerns about the resurgence of militarism.
The United States is even more aggressive: The Pentagon is drafting a secret nuclear strategy that may involve the use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons in regional conflicts with China and Russia (which are smaller than strategic nuclear weapons and more likely to be misused in conventional conflicts). These actions together create a heightened risk of accidental clashes in the Asia-Pacific region.
Why Isn't the Old Approach to Security Working Any Longer?
The United States used to maintain its hegemony through "forward military deployments" (stationing weapons and troops near other countries' borders), but this strategy is no longer effective. Its missile interception capabilities are dwindling, production cycles are long, and there are structural shortcomings in its industries (such as a shortage of chip and defense manufacturing capacity). While it talks about deterrence, it lacks the necessary ammunition and supply capabilities.
At the same time, the U.S. is forming exclusive alliances (such as the Quad with Japan, India, and Australia), which not only fail to solve problems but also force countries to take sides, narrowing their strategic options and leading to a vicious cycle of mutual suspicion and instability.
What Kind of Security System Should Asia Build? — An "Inclusive Circle for Everyone"
Asia needs an "inclusive security framework" that is not based on the exclusive models of the United States and the West. The key principles include:
- The Bandung Spirit: Promoted at the 1955 Bandung Conference, these principles emphasize sovereignty equality, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence (e.g., non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and resolution of disputes through peaceful means).
- The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: These principles reinforce the idea of non-aggression and non-interference.
- Security is Inseparable: One country's security cannot be based on the insecurity of others (for example, the U.S. deployment of THAAD in South Korea has caused concern for China).
Who should take the lead? ASEAN is a suitable candidate; its ability to coordinate the interests of 15 countries through initiatives like RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) demonstrates its capacity to organize multilateral security consultations. This framework is open to all countries that adhere to the rules, regardless of their size.
How to Build Economic Resilience as a Backing for Security?
Security cannot rely solely on military forces; economic strength is also essential. The U.S. once used energy (control over oil) and finance (dollar hegemony) to exert control, but now there are alternative approaches:
- Electrification: Reducing dependence on oil reduces vulnerability to U.S. influence.
- Parallel Payment Systems: Initiatives like China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) allow for transactions without relying on the U.S. dollar, preventing asset freezes.
These measures not only reduce the risk of being economically constrained but also give countries more autonomy in making decisions without being forced to choose sides.
The Current Dilemma: Confrontation or Win-Win Cooperation?
Asia does not have to choose between "U.S. hegemony" and "Chinese dominance." The real options are:
- Exclusive Blocs: Continuing with alliances like the US-Japan one will only intensify conflicts.
- Inclusive Frameworks: By embracing the Bandung Spirit and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, countries can work together to build a secure regional order.
Now is a critical moment: Asia must either slide into dangerous confrontation or establish a stable and cooperative framework. Asian strategists need to act quickly to respond to this warning.
The core message of the article is that Asia-Pacific security should not follow the old Cold War patterns but adopt an approach based on inclusiveness, equality, and mutual benefit, focusing on both economic and security measures to prevent conflicts.