Tokyo’s overtures towards the G7 assume that China is a threat to be countered with economic or security measures
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenAnthony RowleyAnthony Rowley is a veteran journalist specialising in Asian economic and financial affairs. Published: 4:30pm, 20 Jun 2026Led by Japan, East Asia seems to be setting off along a road to nowhere – beyond tension and maybe eventual conflict. This may seem a harsh indictment yet consecutive Japanese leaders have shown a lack of vision on the constructive role their country could play in achieving regional peace and economic integration.
The Asia-Pacific, according to Asia Undercurrent, a webinar series by Nikkei Inc and the Japanese government, “faces escalating demand for critical minerals, including those that are essential to industries ranging from semiconductors to renewable energy.
Yet the logic (to put it politely) underlying these and similar agreements that seem to be proliferating is faulty and shortsighted at best, and irresponsible and potentially dangerous at worst. It shows a lack of vision and statesmanship that could easily push East Asia into renewed conflict.
