Hong Kong’s politics are under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, while its economy remains a capitalist system. In Hong Kong, characterized by a so-called “One City, Two Systems,” “Chinese-style” control is also intensifying within the economic sector. Plans are [underway] for executive-led initiatives to establish high-tech industries in the Northern Metropolis. Private enterprises are struggling, being asked to provide massive amounts of investment. There is also criticism of industrial policies that lack a perspective on the service industry, which is Hong Kong’s strength. In June 2020, the Chinese government enacted the “Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL)” to suppress the intense protests that broke out in Hong Kong in 2019. In the more than five years since then, political repression has raged through Hong Kong. In accordance with the NSL, courts have repeatedly issued rulings criminalizing freedom of expression, sending many commentators, ... ... [Read more]

An era where “defense diplomacy” is indispensable Jimbo Ken: Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today. I understand that this is your first media appearance since retiring as Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff (hereinafter CSJS), and I am extremely honored. You served as the CSJS for two years and four months. In December 2022, just before your appointment, the National Security Strategy (NSS), also known as the three security documents (the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program)[1], recognized that “Japan is currently facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II.” Your tenure seems to have been a major turning point in world history. How did you view those changes? Yoshida Yoshihide: Before we get to the main topic, let me start with a little warm-up. In ... ... [Read more]

  The Xi Jinping administration is now on a stronger footing than ever, based on Mao Zedong’s governing philosophy (Maoism). Is Xi’s rule unshakable? Where does Xi’s power come from? In this dialogue, two China experts explore Xi Jinping’s domestic governance, global strategy, and succession. [Editor’s note: This dialogue took place on October 2, 2025.]   Kawashima Shin: The Xi Jinping administration is currently midway through its third term. To assess its future, let’s first consider China’s political schedule. Suzuki Takashi: The end of his third term in 2027 will mark a turning point, but barring any unforeseen events, I believe the Xi Jinping administration will see a fourth term (until 2032). In the long term, China aims to become a “great modern socialist country” by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China’s founding. The country also aims to rival or ... ... [Read more]

Editor’s note: This article was written in October 2025 and originally appeared in the December issue of Chuokoron, published on November 10 of the same year. “A World with America” ​​and “A World without America” International politics is in flux. Such clear, tectonic shifts are rare. In the summer of 2025, dozens of world leaders attended international conferences hosted by the Chinese government in Tianjin and Beijing. Their presence in photographs seemed to endorse China’s leadership. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The White House and Trump’s supporters continue to promote an image of Trump as a global peacemaker. As of mid-October 2025, the United States and China were continuing their tariff negotiations and threatening to impose new export restrictions and tariffs. However, it is believed that there is a high possibility that a ... ... [Read more]

What constitutes a “survival-threatening situation”? The government’s view is that Prime Minister Takaichi’s November 2025 response, in which she stated that a naval blockade around Taiwan could constitute such a situation, does not change the government’s previous position. However, many issues remain unresolved, and the legal basis is not necessarily clear. Tsuruta Jun examines the situation envisioned in this response, the legal structure of such existential threat situations, and the right of collective self-defense. Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks to the question of survival-threatening situations During the Lower House Budget Committee session on 7 November 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae responded to a question from an opposition lawmaker who asked whether a blockade of the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines would constitute a “survival-threatening situation.” She stated the following: “If an armed attack [by China] were to occur against Taiwan, ‘if a naval ... ... [Read more]

Recent cyberattacks in the context of geopolitics Since around 2022, state-sponsored cyberattacks have become increasingly prevalent. This is partly due to the rogue cyber nations[1] using cyberattacks to achieve their national objectives. Cyberattacks that do not involve large-scale destruction or loss of life do not constitute armed attacks. These attacks can disable an adversary’s critical infrastructure without inciting armed conflict. Furthermore, ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure or supply chains make it difficult to distinguish between attacks by criminal groups and those ordered by a state. This makes it possible to damage an enemy country while concealing state involvement. In this respect, cyberattacks have become a convenient tool for rogue cyber nations. Furthermore, information-theft cyberattacks, which take advantage of the technical characteristics of cyberattacks that make it difficult to identify attackers, are becoming more prevalent, stealing policy information, business secrets, and intellectual property from target ... ... [Read more]

War has thrown the international order into flux. The search for a multipolar order centered on various “Souths” has begun. Key Points: The presence of emerging powers, which sometimes surpass developed nations, is growing. New, regionally driven frameworks for conflict management are emerging and warrant closer scrutiny. Japan should consider shifting away from “American dominance” and toward “diversification.” Wars and hostilities frequently erupt across Eurasia, from Ukraine to the Middle East, India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia. After occupying and annexing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Russia’s fighting in eastern Ukraine escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022. This aggression continues to this day. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel. Israel subsequently retaliated by extending its attacks beyond Gaza to include pro-Iranian forces, such as Hezbollah. Israel also launched military strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program. The Middle Eastern order has undergone ... ... [Read more]