COMMENTARY / Japan

Tokyo needs to brace itself for return of a new cold war

A more belligerent Russia may embolden China and North Korea, two states that pose threats to Japan

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a new cold war might ensue — one that includes Japan pitted against emboldened foes China and North Korea. | SPUTNIK / /POOL / VIA REUTERS

By Kongdan Oh
Contributing Writer

Apr 26, 2022

Washington –

Seven years ago on April 27, 2015, Japan and the United States unveiled the third revision of their Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation.

This document had personal significance for me because I was the task leader at the Institute for Defense Analyses to provide a discussion forum on the guidelines for delegations from Japan and the United States.

The Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, first signed in 1951 and then revised in 1960, serves as the foundation for this important alliance, whereas the periodically updated guidelines provide focus and goals for important aspects of cooperation between the two allies.

Tokyo needs to brace itself for return of a new cold war

A more belligerent Russia may embolden China and North Korea, two states that pose threats to Japan

In your social network

In your inbox

In your social network

In your inbox