View All Analysis | Jan. 12, 2021, 12:48 p.m.

Browse our analysis section for news and articles on topics such as China's Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR), the world's evolving digital infrastructure competition, and the stakes for U.S. policy.

Japan, Australia Pen Indo-Pacific Pact | Nov. 13, 2020, 9:56 a.m.

Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian prime minister Scott Morrison plan to sign an agreement strengthening their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. to further regional cooperation and balance against China, including Chinese infrastructure development, Nikkei reports.

U.S., Japan 2021 Cooperation Critical | Nov. 12, 2020, 10:54 a.m.

The U.S. and Japan now need to think bigger, harder, and in greater unison about how to maximize their collective impact on urgent regional and global challenges. Considering the dramatic rise of China, the two like-minded nations -- the world's largest and third-largest economies -- would be best served by focusing on the top policy challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and world economy in the new COVID-impacted era.

Japan’s Leadership Role in a Multipolar Indo-Pacific | Oct. 28, 2020, 10:52 a.m.

This paper discusses the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, including the impacts of Covid-19, and emerging foreign policy initiatives, and offers recommendations for how Japan can solidify a comprehensive leadership role in this critical, multipolar region.

Japan, Allies Finance $30M Palau Cable | Oct. 28, 2020, 9:32 a.m.

Japan, the U.S., and Australia will finance a $30M internet cable connection to Palau, the first three-way cooperation on infrastructure under Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, Nikkei reports.

UK Finds 5G Alternative to Huawei | Oct. 26, 2020, 9:28 a.m.

Japan has signed a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal with the United Kingdom that will allow Japan to support the UK's 5G network development, following a ban on 5G equipment from Chinese supplier Huawei in July.

Pompeo Sees Quad as China Counter | Oct. 7, 2020, 9:06 a.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would like to institutionalize the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, India, and Australia to build out a "true security framework" as a counterweight to China, according to remarks the Secretary made in Tokyo at a gathering of the four countries' foreign ministers, Nikkei reports.

Suga Turns to SE Asian Partners | Sept. 30, 2020, 9:08 a.m.

Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga plans to visit Vietnam and Indonesia in mid-October to strengthen ties with ASEAN and curb China's regional ambitions, a move seen as a continuation of former Prime Minister Abe's policies on prioritizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan, Australia Court India after RCEP | Sept. 29, 2020, 9:32 a.m.

Government officials expect to finalize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, as early as November 2020. However, Australia and Japan's lingering misgivings about China's alleged political interference and 5G market access have spurred attempts to court India, a former RCEP

Huawei Ban Could Cost $26B | Sept. 10, 2020, 8:17 a.m.

The U.S. ban on supplying Huawei could take a $26 billion yearly toll on tech manufacturers in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, Nikkei reports.

Japan Halts Coal Support | July 9, 2020, 8:15 a.m.

Japan will stop financing the construction of coal-fired power plants overseas in response to criticism of its backing for the carbon-intensive energy source as part of the country's push to build foreign infrastructure projects, Nikkei reports.

"Made-in-Japan" 5G Alliance Announced | June 25, 2020, 9:08 a.m.

Japanese telecommunications group NTT announced Thursday that it will invest 64.5 billion yen in IT services group NEC to launch what both companies called a "made-in-Japan" alliance in 5G technology, Nikkei reports.

UK Eyes Japan FTA, CPTPP | June 10, 2020, 7:13 a.m.

The United Kingdom is seeking a Free Trade Agreement with Japan and CPTPP membership in hopes of lowering trade barriers and increasing cooperation with allies on technology and manufacturing, Nikkei reports.

Indonesia Brings Japan into Rail Project | June 8, 2020, 6:56 a.m.

The Indonesian government has begun discussions on possible Japanese participation in a planned high-speed railway between Jakarta and Bandung, hoping to spur progress on the delayed Chinese-led project as costs mount, Nikkei reports.

COVID Delays Japan's 5G Rollout | May 18, 2020, 9:42 a.m.

The rollout of 5G services in Japan, originally planned in March, have been hampered due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nikkei reports.

Japan Diversifies Supply Chains | April 16, 2020, 9:45 a.m.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries are reassessing supply chains dominated by China, including Japan, where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pushed companies to diversify, Nikkei reports.

Japanese Airlines Seek $18B | April 6, 2020, 10:18 a.m.

The Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan has requested $18 billion in aid from the government due to decreased demand as a result of COVID-19, Nikkei reports.

Coronavirus Slows Supply Chains | March 27, 2020, 9:30 a.m.

Restrictions and lockdown orders in response to the coronavirus outbreak are forcing manufacturers to stop production, negatively impacting supply chains. Steel manufacturers may temporarily halt blast furnaces for the first time since 2009 and Japanese telecoms expect a delay in 5G rollout due to supply chain issues, Nikkei reports.

China's BRI Spurs Digital Yen | March 10, 2020, 9:19 a.m.

Japanese lawmakers are pushing for the development of a digital yen in response to concerns that China could set international standards for digital currency technology, aided by the prevalence of the Belt and Road in countries with developing financial systems, Nikkei reports.

Asia Boosts Satellites for 5G | March 6, 2020, 9:48 a.m.

Growing investment in satellite communications, especially in Asia, indicates that small satellites will increasingly be used in combination with 5G to meet demand for high speed connectivity, Nikkei reports.

Connecting the Blue Dots | Feb. 26, 2020, 11:24 a.m.

The Blue Dot Network (BDN)—an effort by the United States, Japan, and Australia to promote high-quality global infrastructure—holds promise and should be encouraged, but many unanswered questions about its implementation will need to be addressed for the initiative to achieve its desired impact.

Japan Seeks Balanced China Policy | Feb. 12, 2020, 9:25 a.m.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has crafted a China policy that mixes caution with engagement, for example, expanding the U.S.-Japan security alliance while also jointly funding Belt and Road projects, Nikkei reports.

Japan to Invest in Asia LNG | Feb. 5, 2020, 9:48 a.m.

New legislation will allow Japan to support the construction of liquefied natural gas terminals across Asia, positioning Tokyo to take advantage of a rapidly growing LNG market, Nikkei reports.

Indonesia Courts Japan Investment | Jan. 10, 2020, 9:29 a.m.

Indonesia is seeking further Japanese investment in the Natuna Islands following tensions with Beijing over a standoff between Chinese and Indonesian vessels in neighboring waters, Nikkei reports.

China's BRI Faces Challenges in 2020 | Jan. 3, 2020, 9:23 a.m.

Alternative infrastructure investment initiatives led by Japan, India, and Australia indicate that China’s Belt and Road Initiative is likely to face increased pressure in 2020, Nikkei reports.

Uzbekistan, Japan Plan $6B Joint Projects | Dec. 19, 2019, 9:49 a.m.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is looking to carry out projects with Japan worth over $6 billion to establish closer bilateral relations in areas such as power generation and agriculture, Nikkei reports.

Malaysia Seeks China, Japan 5G Expertise | Dec. 13, 2019, 9:20 a.m.

In order to accomplish a nationwide 5G rollout by the first half of 2020, Malaysia is looking to Chinese and Japanese telecommunications companies to supply the needed technology and expertise. Proposals are currently dominated by Huawei, and Malaysian officials have affirmed the country's willingness to work with the controversial Chinese firm, Nikkei reports.

Japan Top Investor in SE Asia | Dec. 11, 2019, 9:29 a.m.

According to Fitch Solutions, Tokyo-backed projects in Southeast Asia have topped $367 billion, outspending China and making Japan the top provider of infrastructure and development aid in the region, Nikkei reports.

Indonesia Talks Fund with Japan, U.S. | Dec. 4, 2019, 10:06 a.m.

Indonesia is in talks with Japan and the U.S. to establish a sovereign wealth fund for infrastructure and other development projects. The fund will help cover the estimated $33 billion needed to develop the country's new capital in East Kalimantan, Nikkei reports.

India Concerned about CPEC | Nov. 26, 2019, 10:43 a.m.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is of significant concern to India, which views the corridor as a violation of its sovereignty, according to India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. However, in an interview with Nikkei, Jaishankar did not criticize the broader Belt and Road Initiative, stating that each country has the right to its own policies.

Huawei Shifts to Japanese Suppliers | Nov. 21, 2019, 11:56 a.m.

As the U.S. ban on sales to Huawei forces the company to turn to other suppliers, Huawei is increasingly looking to Japan for procurement and R&D collaboration, Nikkei reports.

Japan Backs Sri Lanka Amid Debt Fears | Nov. 13, 2019, 11:03 a.m.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation is backing Sri Lanka's first issuance of bonds in the Japanese market amid concerns about rising debt levels in the South Asian country.

Japan, U.S. Heighten Infrastructure Cooperation | Nov. 4, 2019, 10:18 a.m.

U.S. Exim Bank and Japan's state-backed Nippon Export and Investment Insurance have signed a deal enabling them to jointly mitigate export risks faced by Japanese-led energy and other infrastructure projects that have U.S. participation, Nikkei reports.

Planning Ahead for 6G | Oct. 31, 2019, 9:41 a.m.

While Chinese carriers are expected to lauch the world's largest 5G network, on Thursday, Sony, NTT and Intel announced that they will form a partnership to work on 6G mobile network technology, to be announced around 2030. The three new partners want to establish an organization in the U.S. by next spring, reports Nikkei.

Pakistan Seeks China, Japan Aid for Infrastructure | Oct. 23, 2019, 9:29 a.m.

During a recent trip to Tokyo, Pakistan's President, Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi, expressed hope that both Japan and China will continue to invest in the country's infrastructure to help spur economic development, Nikkei reports.

Pakistan Seeks Japan Funds for CPEC Rail | Oct. 22, 2019, 9:41 a.m.

The provincial government of Sindh, Pakistan is looking to Japan for funding for the Karachi Circular Railway, previously funded through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Nikkei reports.

CSIS Event: Japan's Infrastructure Development Strategy | Oct. 22, 2019, 9:19 a.m.

On October 17, the CSIS Japan Chair hosted the governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Tadashi Maeda, to discuss the role of infrastructure development in maintaining a free and open Pacific region and responding to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Many Japanese Companies Using Huawei | Oct. 1, 2019, 10:43 a.m.

In a recent poll of 50 major Japanese companies, 80 percent reported that they are using Huawei, despite international concern about security risks. This statistic does not take into account the many companies which declined to respond, Nikkei reports.

$83B Japanese Rail Line Delayed | Sept. 30, 2019, 10:19 a.m.

The timetable for an $83 billion project to build an ultrafast magnetic-levitation rail line between Tokyo and Nagoya has been delayed due to environmental concerns, Nikkei reports.

Japan, Africa Promote Sustainable Infrastructure | Aug. 30, 2019, 9:03 a.m.

Leaders from Japan and Africa on Friday agreed on the need for infrastructure development that accounts for a country's ability to pay off debt, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative, Nikkei reports.

Japan Boosts Africa Ties | Aug. 27, 2019, 10:17 a.m.

Japan is encouraging its companies to work with African startups in a push to boost its national profile on the continent and compete with Chinese investment under its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, Nikkei reports.

Japan Commits $2.84B for African Infrastructure | Aug. 15, 2019, 11:37 a.m.

Japan has pledged to invest $2.84 billion in Africa's infrastructure to encourage transparency, in what some have interpreted as a response to corruption allegations linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

G20 Osaka Debrief: Quality Infrastructure | July 17, 2019, 9:58 a.m.

On June 28-29, government leaders representing 85 percent of the global economy convened for the fourteenth G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. In the wake of the meeting, the CSIS Simon Chair in Political Economy hosted experts including Japan's ambassador to the G20, Koji Tomita, to discuss major outcomes, including China's endorsement of the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment.

Japan Revamps Myanmar Port | July 8, 2019, 9:12 a.m.

Japan will announce a new plan for Mynamar's Dawei special economic zone that focuses on building a port that will export to India. The proposal comes as China is building and financing Kyaukphyu port, increasing its economic influence in the country, reports Nikkei.

India, U.S., Japan Talk Infrastructure | June 28, 2019, 9:12 a.m.

On the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Osaka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a trilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss areas for cooperation on connectivity and infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, Nikkei reports.

Achieving Sustainability through Quality Infrastructure | June 27, 2019, 12:06 p.m.

It is critical that public-sector officials responsible for infrastructure development—both at the local and national levels—commit to transparent practices to secure sustainable financing mechanisms.

Xi, Abe Talk Infrastructure Cooperation | June 27, 2019, 9:07 a.m.

U.S., Japan, Australia Fund Indo-Pacific Infrastructure | June 26, 2019, 9:46 a.m.

Government-backed lenders in Japan, the U.S., and Australia plan to issue a statement on their joint infrastructure efforts, including possible joint-financing for an liquefied natural gas terminal in Papua New Guinea. The three countries agreed in November to collaborate on infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific as an alternative to China's Belt and Road initiative, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.

ASEAN Starts Digital Cooperation | June 21, 2019, 10:44 a.m.

The U.S.-China trade war has spurred ASEAN members to complete the negotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The Asian leaders will also look to find areas of cooperation in digital infrastructure, reports Nikkei Asian Review.

World Bank Head Pushes China Transparency | June 12, 2019, 9:25 a.m.

Newly seated World Bank President David Malpass says the multilateral organization is working hard to ensure Beijing improves transparency in lending to countries involved in its Belt and Road Initiative, Nikkei reports.