The security environment in East Asia is undergoing shifts in the field and in the regional capitals, especially in Japan, where the new National Security Strategy signals major changes for Japan’s defense policy. As tensions throughout the East China Sea increase, what are the implications for the United States and Japan’s efforts to strengthen norms in the region? What are the lessons from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine for the peace and stability in East Asia?

A distinguished think tank in Washington DC, the Stimson Center hold an in-person and online seminar titled “Lessons from Ukraine for Maritime East Asia” on February 15, 2023, 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 seminar as a panelist and presented the lessons Japan learned from Ukraine war, Japan’s National Security Strategy and the situation of increasing tensions in the East China Sea. Moderated by Ms. Yuki Tatsumi at the Stimson Center, the panelists discussed the importance of the rule of law, lessons from Ukraine’s air defense applicable for maritime East Asia and how the interpretation of jus ad bellum might influence the international community responds to aggressive activities. After the panelists’ discussion, the audiences were invited to submit questions and the panelists responded on various aspects.

The seminar lasted 90 minutes.