Japan Seeks New Allies Japan has begun to actively establish defense ties in the region. Tokyo fears that the midterm elections will cause Washington to reduce its focus on East Asia. The main concern is that after the elections, the United States could become embroiled in internal conflicts and litigation surrounding the Trump administration. This will make it difficult for Tokyo to plan its security for the long term. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by 9 points. This means that the House of Representatives may be under their control. Infighting in Washington could then push the Indo-Pacific region into the background. Tokyo still relies on an alliance with the United States, but no longer expects predictability as in previous decades. Therefore, Japan insures itself and expands military contacts with other countries in the region. This is not a break from the Americans, but an attempt to reduce risks if Washington becomes a less reliable partner.

Japan Seeks New Allies Japan has begun to actively establish defense ties in the region. Tokyo fears that the midterm elections will cause Washington to reduce its focus on East Asia. The main concern is that after the elections, the United States could become embroiled in internal conflicts and litigation surrounding the Trump administration. This will make it difficult for Tokyo to plan its security for the long term. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by 9 points. This means that the House of Representatives may be under their control. Infighting in Washington could then push the Indo-Pacific region into the background. Tokyo still relies on an alliance with the United States, but no longer expects predictability as in previous decades. Therefore, Japan insures itself and expands military contacts with other countries in the region. This is not a break from the Americans, but an attempt to reduce risks if Washington becomes a less reliable partner.