As it has been previously noted in the New Eastern Outlook, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly complex. This trend is clearly manifested in a series of recent events in the relations among the key regional players.

One of these problems, representing today the main challenge to stability within the “US – China – Japan” triangle, is the Taiwan issue. In recent years, India has solidified its position in the tringle and has been quite active, although the transformation of India’s political course deserves a separate look. The particular importance of control over Taiwan is determined by its strategic location. Taiwan constitutes the central unit of the so-called “First Island Chain,” which is acquiring exceptional geopolitical significance.

Finally, it is important to reiterate how inadequate it is to apply the bipolar “Cold War” analogy in order to describe the current situation in the Indo-Pacific region. The present stage of the “Great World Game” is far more complex, primarily due to the growing autonomy in actions not only of India, but also of Japan.

Tokyo is increasingly confident in asserting itself as an independent player, actively expanding the scope of its interests. At the same time, the importance of preserving the military-political alliance with the United States is invariably emphasised, with the “American presence” remaining its part and parcel. For obvious reasons, it is Japan itself that is primarily interested in the continuation of this presence. The financial costs of such cooperation are negligible compared to the political and strategic objectives achieved.

Recent Developments in the “US – China – Japan” Triangle

An important event reflecting the evolution of the regional situation was the adoption of the new US National Security Strategy. Although the NSS-2025 merely enshrined in paper the trends that........

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