Skip to main content
To war with China? The UK-Japan axis for a global Nato
As the first European country to forge military links with Japan, Britain provides an example for other Nato members to follow, argues JENNY CLEGG
INTIMIDATING: Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives back to Portsmouth harbour

WITH regional arms races and provocative military activities spiralling in east Asia, Nato chief Jens Stoltenburg’s recent visits to South Korea and Japan aimed to follow through on the organisation’s new commitment to addressing the “systemic competition” from China.  

What is taking place is a historic restructuring of the international security order: amid claims that “east Asia is the next Ukraine,” Japan is resuming its role as a military power while the US-Japan 70-year-old alliance is being upgraded as the US places a primary focus on the need to contain China.  

Britain is playing a vital role in leveraging this shift, building a new security co-operation with Japan which opens the door to international recognition of the country’s remilitarisation.

Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at t
Features / 13 March 2025
13 March 2025
Western media dismisses the National People’s Congress while ignoring its extensive consultation processes, massive public participation mechanisms, and a tiered structure involving millions of deputies, explains JENNY CLEGG
(Left to right) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptia
Features / 17 November 2024
17 November 2024
JENNY CLEGG sets out and then responds to eight key doubts about the Brics+ alliance in light of the developments at Kazan, arguing it represents a significant challenge to US hegemony and provides a path towards a multipolar world
Isabel Crook in 1940
International Women's Day 2024 / 8 March 2024
8 March 2024
JENNY CLEGG pays tribute to a remarkable woman who was a pioneer in bringing about greater understanding between China and the West
Xi and Wang
Features / 15 December 2023
15 December 2023
The US does not have a plan for peace in the Middle East — nor is it in their interests. China does have a plan — and it is in the interests of the rest of the world that it is listened to and supported, explains JENNY CLEGG