Japan's Role in Southeast Asian Security: "Plus ca Change ..."

Abstract

HE SOUTHEAST ASIAN SECURITY environment is in a transitional period. 1 Recent regional and global developments notably east-west detente, the improvement of Sino-Soviet relations, and Vietnam's withdrawal from Cambodia, incomplete though it may be have reduced tension in the Southeast Asian regional order. Despite the current easing of tensions, there is no guarantee that the future of Southeast Asia will be either more stable or more peaceful. Moreover, while the economic importance of security has increasingly gained in significance, it is premature to think that military factors are no longer present in international relations in Southeast Asia or elsewhere. The war in Cambodia is not yet over and elsewhere the contest for position, power and influence continues, although not always in an openly antagonistic manner. Japan has vital interests in the stability and security of Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia is a major source of essential raw materials forJapan, a sizable market forJapanese manufactured goods, and the site of substantial Japanese investment. In addition, the waterways of Southeast Asia are increasingly vital forJapan's international transport system. About 60 percent ofJapan's oil imports and 40 percent of its foreign trade are transported via the Straits of Malacca, and the Lombok Straits. Not surprisinglyJapanese leaders take considerable interest, from both an economic and geopolitical point of view, in maintaining stability and security in Southeast Asia. Since World War II, Japan has played a predominantly economic role in this region, avoiding political and military entanglements. Japan's present and future role is less clear: what kind of role isJapan likely to play in the shifting security environment of Southeast Asia in order to meet its economic needs and goals? With the recent waning Soviet posture and with the U.S. seeking to reduce its presence in this region,