New security policy constellation in East Asia: Japan takes centre stage

One of the most significant developments in the Western Pacific is Tokyo's emerging rapprochement with Seoul and Manila in terms of security policy.

Even after almost 80 years, the resentment from the Second World War and the decades before it is still very much alive in East Asia. This is particularly pronounced in South Korea and the Philippines, where many people still harbour negative attitudes towards Japan and the dispute over war-related reparations payments continues. This circumstance has also characterised the security policy relations between these countries to date.

However, the dual threat from China and North Korea has recently led to a rethink. There is a growing realisation that the time has come to join forces out of self-interest. This is reflected not least by the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. The new governments of the three countries agree that their respective national interests can best be realised through a