Japan's turbulent security environment demands imperatives of "Continuity" in its foreign and security policies even with the assumption of power by a new Prime Minister Yoshide Suga recently.
In 2020, the most significant challenge facing Japan is the 'China Threat' which has reared its ugly head in the entire Indo Pacific Region expanse stretching from Japan to India.
Japanese PM Abe who demitted office paving the way for election of PM Suga had established a vast diplomatic network and Strategic Partnerships intended to checkmate China. In tandem, Japan under PM Abe had taken fast-track up gradation of Japan's Armed Forces, both for defence of Japan and as conventional deterrence against China and North Korea.
Going by reports emanating from Tokyo there is a general consensus amongst policy analysts focussing on Japanese policies that PM Suga would provide that essential 'critical input' of 'continuity' in Japanese foreign and security policy formulations adopted in the last eight years.
PM Suga before assuming office of Prime Minister was for four years outgoing PM Abe's 'Chief Lieutenant' and part of his decision-making loop on foreign and security policies.
In the field of continuity in Japanese foreign policies the same is assured by PM Suga retaining Foreign Minister Motegi. Foreign Minister Motegi, known for his close links with the US Administration, besides being a Harvard Graduate, would be a valuable asset for the new Japanese Cabinet to provide continuity with the United States -Japan Security Alliance and al so Japan's Special Strategic Partnerships with Australia and India.
What needs noting is the significant change in the Defence Minister's portfolio where outgoing Japanese PM Abe's younger biological brother, Nobuo Kishi has been appointed as the new Defence Minister.
Defence Minister Kishi besides being attuned and in line with Japan's policies of up gradation of Japanese military build-up and deterrence capabilities against China is also noted for had-line views on development of Japan's 'independent strike capabilities' !!
Japan's participation along with US Navy in South China Sea presence would therefore see no dilution. This would be heartening for South East Asian nations like the Philippines and Vietnam.
In terms of overall analysis, it can be safely asserted that while a change of guard has taken place in Japan with PM Suga assuming the top slot in Japan's political hierarchy, it is strategically gratifying to note that "Continuity" in Japan's foreign policies and security policies would continue with the vigour of the last eight years or so.
Japan is not only the 'Sheet Anchor' of the United States security template in Western Pacific against China but also the Eastern Anchor along with India as the Western Anchor against the military expansionism of China in the vast Indo Pacific Region expanse.
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