G1 Global Conference 2024

Panelists Bill Emmott , Kazuto Suzuki and Sheila Smith (via Zoom), set the tone for the day’s event at the morning plenary session of this year's G1 Global Conference, held on October 14. Heizo Takenaka led the discussions, asking what panelists thought were Japan's most pressing issues.

One focus of conversation was Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approach to dealing with the military threat posed by China. Ishiba has yet to formulate a clear and coherent strategy for managing Japan's relationship with its powerful neighbor. While Ishiba has previously supported forming an "Asian version of NATO" to counter China's growing assertiveness, he has on occasion also suggested that Japan include China as part of such an alliance, indicating a more cooperative approach.

Participants also worried that Ishiba has no policy to address the economic challenges posed by China. As China's economy faces a downturn, Japan has an opportunity to diversify its supply chains and strengthen its economic security.

If he survives the October 27 general election, we shall see how Ishiba navigates the nation’s complex relationship with China. With tensions rising in the Taiwan Strait and China's military capabilities advancing, Ishiba will need to articulate a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the security and economic facets of the China challenge. Failure to do so could leave Japan vulnerable to an increasingly assertive Beijing.

These were just a few of the thoughts raised during the kickoff of this year’s G1 Global Conference, which focused on the potential of AI in Japanese business, politics, technology, and society.

Richard Solomon is an author, publisher and spokesman on contemporary Japan. He posts Beacon Reports at www.beaconreports.net.