From Shinzo Abe’s concept of escaping the postwar regime to Shigeru Ishiba’s idea of postwar political settlement, the trajectory of Japan’s political evolution is becoming increasingly apparent. For both China and the United States, responding to a Japan that embraces strategic autonomy poses a significant strategic challenge.

The new Japanese prime minister wants to reassert Japan’s standing as a regional power, which will challenge the expectations of Washington elites and further rattle a region that is seeking to skirt the dynamics of great power competition.

China-Japan-ROK cooperation is not aimed at the United States, and it should not be constrained. The sustainability of future trilateral cooperation by China, Japan and the ROK ultimately depends on the continual development of internal dynamics of the three countries.

The U.S., the Philippines, and Japan recently met in Washington for a trilateral summit, where they discussed security, diplomacy, economics, and more. At the meeting, Manila also exemplified a strategic alignment with Washington and Tokyo, particularly in countering China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and pursuing economic diversification away from Chinese dependency.

Over the 45 years since the China-Japan Peace and Friendship Treaty, the economic scale of the two countries has shifted. In addition, their economic structures have evolved, moving beyond an era of asymmetric dependence to a new phase characterized by mutual reliance.

The negative impact of what appears to be a new cold war in East Asia — even as the U.S. forcefully pushes for U.S.-Japan-ROK cooperation — should not be underestimated. There are obvious obstacles within the alliance that will make moving forward difficult.

As close neighbors, China and Japan must seriously explore ways to coexist peacefully. The only way to build a robust relationship, as Premier Li Qiang has said, is for both sides to focus on the long-term picture and build on positive elements.

Japan seeks to further develop its partnerships with ASEAN countries and neighboring states to reassess its place globally amidst tensions between the U.S. and China.

A approach to regional security that’s heavily based on deterrence will only lead to more insecure outcomes. Military strength is an important component, but it should not be pursued to the virtual exclusion of diplomacy. Regional consensus is essential.

Mimicking the American-style approach of guarding against imaginary enemies, Japan’s recently released documents will have a significant impact on relations with China and other countries. Its effort to achieve strategic autonomy is a tall order, as the U.S. doesn’t want too much of that.