In a fragmenting global order, former Japanese leader urges pivot to China

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has articulated a vision that challenges the prevailing geopolitical currents, advocating for a stronger partnership between Japan and China to counterbalance what he describes as "US arrogance." Speaking in Hong Kong, Hatoyama, who led Japan from 2009 to 2010, suggested that a united front from Tokyo and Beijing is crucial to prevent the disintegration of the global order, particularly in the face of a shifting international landscape influenced by figures like Donald Trump.

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I would argue that Japan and China should jointly confront a self-centred United States and [prevent] the collapse of the world order.

Hatoyama's remarks, delivered at an event organized by the University of Hong Kong, highlight a perspective that diverges sharply from official Japanese government policy, which has largely prioritized maintaining close ties with the United States. He specifically critiqued the current administration's focus on courting Trump, arguing that such a strategy is unsustainable and leaves Japan vulnerable to "US bullying."

From a Japanese standpoint, Hatoyama's call for closer Sino-Japanese cooperation is a significant, albeit controversial, proposition. While historical and territorial issues between Japan and China remain sensitive, the former prime minister's emphasis on strategic alignment against a perceived overbearing United States resonates with a segment of opinion that questions the long-term efficacy of complete reliance on American security guarantees. His proposal to build broader coalitions on a case-by-case basis suggests a pragmatic approach to navigating complex international relations, seeking to enhance Japan's autonomy and influence in a multipolar world.

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To do so, expanding coalitions with various like-minded nations, on a case-by-case basis, will increase our bargaining power.

This perspective underscores a unique Japanese dilemma: balancing its crucial alliance with the US against the need to manage its relationship with its powerful neighbor, China. Hatoyama's intervention serves as a reminder that within Japan, there are diverse viewpoints on foreign policy, some of which prioritize regional stability and independent action over strict adherence to traditional alliances. His call for a joint confrontation with the US, while likely to be met with caution by the current government, reflects a deeper debate about Japan's role and agency in the evolving global order.

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Japan does not fall victim to US bullying