Japan is expanding its alliances across the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ties with the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia as part of a broader diplomatic push by PM Takaichi Sanae and Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro. At the center of these efforts are deepening security links with the US and the Philippines, including the transfer of Japanese Abukuma-class destroyers to Manila — a first since the lifting of its post-WWII arms export ban. It comes as the Philippines conducts its first test of a Tomahawk missile from a Typhon launcher. Together, these moves signal a shift toward more integrated form of regional deterrence. But how are Tokyo’s moves being greeted by Washington and Beijing? In this episode, we examine Japan’s growing network of partnerships, the strategic importance of key maritime routes and what this evolving alignment means for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific balance of power. *Recorded on May 7, 2026 at 4pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Consultant: George Nee Research Assistant: April Lin Our guests: Tsai Jung-hsiang National Chung Cheng University Political Science Professor Guermantes Lailari Jewish Policy Center Senior Non-Resident Fellow Chapters: 00:00:00 – Japan’s New Alliance Model 00:03:00 – Philippines Conducts Tomahawk Test 00:09:41 – Tokyo To Provide Destroyers to Manila, Jakarta 00:14:50 – US, Japan Reach Deals With Indonesia 00:18:48 – Japan’s Ties With SE Asia, Australia
