RUSI JournalVOLUME 171ISSUE 4

The Importance of ASEAN for Japan’s National Security

Alexandre Brans
8 July 2026clockLong Read
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other countries’ leaders at the 28th ASEAN–Japan summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 October 2025. Courtesy of Japan Cabinet Secretariat/Wikimedia Commons.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other countries’ leaders at the 28th ASEAN–Japan summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 October 2025. Courtesy of Japan Cabinet Secretariat/Wikimedia Commons.

A Research Article examining the strategic significance of ASEAN for Japan’s security in an era in which the Indo-Pacific is characterised by increasing competition between the US and China.

This article examines the strategic significance of ASEAN centrality for Japan’s security amid growing US–China competition. Alexandre Brans argues that a stronger, more united ASEAN strengthens Tokyo’s strategic interests, and highlights instruments Japan can use to exert influence. Well-positioned to continue playing a stabilising role, Japan must maintain a measured approach while avoiding overly aggressive tactics.

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Alexandre Brans

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