Conclusion

Abstract

The conclusion analyzes Japan’s role in Southeast Asia, particularly that of an economic driver through foreign direct investment as well as development aid. Furthermore it highlights Japan’s growing security profile in the region through the establishment of strategic partnerships and capacity-building efforts. The chapter also evaluates the growing enmity between China and Japan and how that has affected not only their bilateral relations but also the region as a whole. It then proceeds to demonstrate how China has become effectively securitized by Southeast Asian countries while Japan has become de-securitized by the same group of states. This has implications for the preferences of alignment in the region.