"The idea that provides much of the rationale for an Australia-Japan alliance - that the two countries will support America in a coalition to contain China - is not credible. Neither country has done nearly enough to build the capacity or demonstrate the resolve." Hugh White

The twenty-eighth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs explores Japan's historic shift away from its postwar pacifism as it braces for a changing Asia in which China, its neighbour, is challenging the dominance of the United States, its ally.

Tokyo Rising looks at the options for Japan as it adopts a new military and strategic posture - and at the consequences for Australia, which faces a remarkably similar dilemma.

Hugh White argues that Japan and Australia will ultimately be unable to rely on each other - or on their partners - to counter China.
Justin Bassi and Alex Bristow explore what a formal Australia-Japan alliance might look like, and why it matters.
Anna Fifield looks at the life, politics and goals of Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi.
Ken Jimbo analyses Japan's shifting approaches as it seeks a policy for handling China.

PLUS Marc Ablong on cybersecurity, Anna Naupa on Pacific Islands diplomacy and Susan Harris Rimmer on climate, and correspondence on AFA27's "Plan B" from Michael Clarke, Jennifer Parker, Richard Gray and David Kilcullen.