With Chinese President Xi Jinping securing an unprecedented third term in power, fears are mounting that Sino-U.S. tensions may escalate further over Taiwan and economic security, forcing Japan to review its policies regarding Beijing.
Calls are growing in Japan for the government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to reinforce the country's alliance with the United States in a bid to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region by countering China's increasing influence.
But not everyone believes Japan should remain coupled with Washington in the future.