Japan published its annual Diplomatic Bluebook last Tuesday — the weighty document outlining the country's current stance toward a wide variety of foreign policy matters. It shows how Tokyo is trying to square its long-standing positions with the shifting winds in the region.
It is clear that Japan still regards its alliance with the United States as central to its security and diplomatic strategy, labeling it as "the foundation of peace, prosperity and freedom not only in Japan but also across the Asia-Pacific region."
The 2018 bluebook argues that the U.S. alliance has become more important than ever as a result of the region's more severe security environment — a trend driven by factors including North Korea's flurry of missile and nuclear tests last year. The Foreign Ministry-produced document specifically refers to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to build up rapport with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the two leaders have developed "a strong relationship of mutual trust."