China’s growing assertiveness in Asia is drawing plenty of global attention. But what of Japan’s response? Still the world’s third-largest economy, Japan has long been a significant source of investment into Asian countries, and a key ally for Western powers like the US. Together with two experts and the Asia Matters podcast, this event will analyse the state of Japan’s foreign policy in Asia and beyond.

About the contributors

Professor Akio Takahara is Professor of Contemporary Chinese Politics at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Law and Politics. He received his PhD in 1988 from Sussex University, and later was a visiting scholar at the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong, at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, at Harvard University and at Peking University. He has served as President of the Japan Association for Asian Studies (2009-11) and as Secretary-General of the New Japan-China Friendship 21st Century Committee (2009-14).

Dr Yuka Kobayashi (LL.B Kyoto, MPhil, DPhil Oxon) is Lecturer/Assistant Professor in China and International Politics at SOAS, University of London, and Visiting Research Professor at Nankai University (China) and Visiting Scholar at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Prior to joining SOAS, she was a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. After receiving an LLB (specialising in Public International Law) from Kyoto University, she studied Mandarin and Chinese International Politics at Nankai University and then obtained her M.Phil. and D.Phil. at the University of Oxford. Her research interests include International Relations of China, International Law, Trade and Investment (Belt and Road Initiative/WTO/FDI), Human Rights and Climate Change/Energy. She has advised various governments, think tanks and international organisations on these subjects.

Andrew Peaple (Chair), is the Founder and Host of the Asia Matters podcast and formerly The Wall Street Journal’s Heard on the Street Editor in Asia.

BOOK YOUR PLACE
UK Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (GMT+1)
Japan Time: 10:00pm-11:00pm (GMT+9)
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