GRIPS and the University of Washington co-hosted a webinar on Japanese foreign policy on February 25, 2021 with the generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

GRIPS Vice President Narushige Michishita gave a lecture entitled, “The Rise of China and Japan’s Response,” in which he discussed the emerging strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region and Japan’s effort to strengthen security partnerships with the United States, Australia, Southeast Asian countries, and India. Prof. Saadia M. Pekkanen, the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Professor at the University of Washington, moderated the webinar, with about 50 participants including university students, faculty members and other guests.

During the discussion session, students raised questions on issues related to Japan-US security cooperation, Japan’s view of US-China relations, and operational coordination between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard.

Viewers reported finding the event informative, remarking that the intensive interactions between the students and the lecturer were particularly impressive. There were also expressions of appreciation of the webinar format, which brought together people in many different locations––in the United States and Japan, in the office and at home.

The GRIPS participants would like to express their gratitude to their friends and colleagues at the University of Washington, who joined them in hosting this valuable event.