Japan and China are among the biggest powers in Asia, and both consider their relations with Southeast Asia to have strategic significance. The two countries vigorously compete with each other in asserting their overall influence on the region. However, in terms of maintaining stability and security for Southeast Asia, while Japan is moving in a mutually beneficial direction that is largely supported by Southeast Asian nations, China is doing the opposite. Beijing increasingly appears to be a security threat for the region due to rising tensions with ASEAN states over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Below, I outline the history and trends of both China and Japan's engagement with Southeast Asia, and how the South China Sea disputes are affecting their rivalry in the region.

Japan's security role in S.E. Asia

Japan-Southeast Asia security relations began in the colonial period, when Japan implemented its Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere, which in fact was a cover for Japanese expansionism aimed at exploiting natural resources in Southeast Asia. As part of the U.S. Cold War strategy to contain communism, Japan became an industrial hub and driving force for East Asia's economic growth. This resulted in Japan's restoration of economic relations with Southeast Asia as well as turning the region into a shield against Chinese Communism.