As the West's concerns about China's dominance on the global stage continue to grow, Japan is increasingly regarded as a balancing force in the region.
Perhaps reflecting this geopolitical shift, London-based think tank The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), known for hosting the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, earlier this month announced the establishment of a "Japan Chair," a senior position dedicated to researching Japanese defense and foreign policy issues.
IISS Director-General John Chipman recently sat down with The Japan Times to discuss Asia's security situation as the U.S.-China trade war escalates and Japan increases it presence and importance on the geopolitical scene.