The security environment in the East China Sea is under continuous scrutiny for these waters’ key position in sea lanes and territorial disputes. Strengthening international norms at sea is an increasing challenge for the U.S., Japan, and partners in the region. In two consecutive panels, experts from Japan and the United States discussed the evolution of maritime law and the developments in the strategic environment in the East China Sea.

A distinguished think tank in Washington DC, the Stimson Center held a webinar titled “Evolving Maritime Issues in the Indo-Pacific” on February 4, 2022, inviting Japanese and U.S. experts on international law and security polity to explore these complex issues. Mr. Susumu Takai, President of SSRI, participated in the webinar as a panelist and explained how the security environment in the Western Pacific has evolved in recent years and the difficulty faced by Japan in trying to counter China’s hybrid strategy. Moderated by two experts, the panelists discussed the erosion of norms in Northeast Asia, evolution of coast guard laws in Asian countries, and security environment in the Wester Pacific where new ways to prosecute abuse of international law with multilateral efforts are needed. In each panel, the audiences were invited to submit questions and the panelists responded on various aspects.

The webinar lasted 90 minutes.