Forget Asian NATO. Japan Is Building a ‘Network of Navies’
Japan is expanding its defense partnerships beyond the traditional First Island Chain, as Tokyo and Jakarta discuss a possible transfer of Japanese Asagiri-class destroyers. The move follows growing security cooperation with Australia and the Philippines and reflects Japan’s efforts to build a broader network of like-minded maritime powers. At the same time, Indonesia is facing increasing pressure from Chinese gray-zone activities near critical sea lanes and the North Natuna Sea. Is Japan creating a new “network of navies” to help balance China’s growing influence? In this episode, we examine the evolving Japan-Indonesia partnership, the rise of Japan’s defense diplomacy and what it means for the future of Indo-Pacific security. *Recorded on June 17, 2026 at 2:20pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Consultant: Max Yu Research Assistant: April Lin Our guests: Lai I-chung - Prospect Foundation President Alexander Huang - Council on Strategic and Wargaming Studies Chair Bill Hayton - Chatham House Asia-Pacific Programme Associate Fellow
