WISC Dialogues: Kunihiko Miyake on Japan’s Approach to Strategic Competition

In this WISC Dialogue, Mark Kennedy speaks with Chinook (Kuni) Miyake, Director and Special Advisor of the Canon Institute for Global Studies and former Japanese diplomat, about Japan’s approach to strategic competition with China. Miyake discusses how Japan balances deep economic ties with China against growing security concerns, including the need to protect critical technologies while maintaining commercial relationships and strengthening cooperation with the United States and other allies.

The conversation also explores the evolving security environment in East Asia, particularly tensions surrounding Taiwan and the role of strategic ambiguity in deterring conflict. Miyake emphasizes the importance of strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities, maintaining dialogue with China, and ensuring close U.S.–Japan coordination to preserve regional stability while managing economic and strategic competition.