China’s persistent warnings about a resurgent Japanese militarism are increasingly falling on deaf ears across the Asia-Pacific. While Beijing frames Tokyo’s defense buildup as a threat, most of the region views Japan as a trusted economic partner and a stabilizing security actor.
The narrative that Asia fears Japan due to World War II is outdated. World War II ended 81 years ago, and today’s democratic Japan is a different nation. Even in 1990, when U.S. Marine General Hank Stackpole described U.S. forces in Japan as the “cap in the bottle” against Japanese militarism, the idea seemed anachronistic.
Regional Perspectives: Trust Over Fear
India: 1.4 billion Indians hold a soft spot for Japan. Tokyo is credited with supporting India’s independence movement during the war. Commercial ties are vast, and defense cooperation is expanding.
Philippines: Japan is a major investor and aid provider. Defense ties have grown, with Japanese ground forces conducting combat training during this year’s Balikatan Exercise.
Taiwan: Good feelings toward Japan prevail, and the 1895-1945 colonial era is not a sore point. Taipei seeks closer ties, including a security relationship.
Singapore: Despite the brutal 1942-1945 occupation, relations are excellent. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has stated that Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries support a bigger Japanese role, including on security.
Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, confirming a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and discussing expanded defense ties, including the transfer of retired Maritime Special-Defense Force ships.
Indonesia: Japan is a major investor and seen as having helped end Dutch colonial rule. The two nations are discussing transferring retired Asagiri-class destroyers to the Indonesian Navy.
Vietnam: Solid economic ties exist, along with Japan Coast Guard support for the Vietnam Coast Guard. Vietnam credits Japan with a role in its independence from France.
Thailand: A hub for Japanese commerce, ties are strong, including between royal families. Japan has quietly built a notable defense relationship.
Australia: Beyond economic and political ties, Canberra recently agreed to buy Japanese Mogami-class destroyers. Despite Japan’s cruel treatment of Australian POWs in WWII, resentment is minimal.
Pacific Islands: From the Solomon Islands to Micronesia, Japan is appreciated for development assistance. Japan Self-Defense Force visits and training occur without objection.
Exceptions and Nuances
South Korea: Visceral resentment exists over Japan’s colonial occupation, often manipulated for political gain by leftist politicians. Yet many Koreans love visiting Japan, and the two navies recently conducted search-and-rescue exercises under the Lee Jae-myung administration.
China: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has stoked historical grievances for political advantage, especially in the last 20 years. Yet millions of Chinese visit Japan annually, and about one million live there. Beijing accepted Japanese ODA and investment for decades. The CCP’s warnings ring hollow given China’s own military buildup, which some analysts compare to Japan’s wartime Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
Even if Japan bolsters its defenses, it remains incapable of projecting power to threaten neighbors. The cliché that Asia fears Japan due to WWII does not withstand scrutiny. For more on Japan’s economic strategy, see Japan Pushes G7 for Rare Earth Price Floors to Counter China's Dominance. On China’s military posture, read China's New Naval Gun Targets Taiwan's Defenses with Record Range. For broader context on regional security, see Why Dropping 'Indo-Pacific' Sharpens the Pentagon's China Focus.
