News India overtakes Japan in Asia power ranking

[thomas]

Japan has slipped to fourth place in a recent assessment of Asia's most powerful nations, marking a significant decline in regional influence. For the first time, India has overtaken Japan in the annual Asia Power Index, reflecting Tokyo's waning economic strength. The 2024 index, published by the Lowy Institute, underscored the shifting power dynamics in Asia. While the United States remains dominant, it faces increasing military pressure from China. Despite China's military gains, its overall influence has plateaued. Japan's decline is attributed to rising competition, particularly in areas where it once held a technological edge. South Korea, China, and Taiwan have made significant strides in advanced manufacturing, eroding Japan's competitive advantage.

Japan's declining productivity can be attributed to "redirected foreign investment away from the Japanese technology sector" coupled with demographic challenges, according to the analysis. Tokyo, however, also gained points in the ranking as it takes on a more prominent role in the defense and security sphere, with the report noting increased collaboration with Washington and other regional partners. Japan also surpassed the U.S. in diplomatic influence — defined as the ability to exercise influence and leverage through economic interdependencies, including trade relations, investment ties and economic diplomacy. Japan now ranks second in this regard, with the U.S. in third place and China remaining at the top. Tokyo's diplomatic influence has reached its highest point since 2020 under then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, emerging as the most active diplomatic player last year, conducting 96 bilateral meetings, 47 of which were at the leader level, the survey said.

Japan falls behind India to No. 4 in new Asia power survey

The 2024 Asia Power Index highlights shifting power dynamics in the region, with the U.S. still dominant but facing rising military pressure from China.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Map - Lowy Institute Asia Power Index

Map the distribution of power across 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific with @LowyInstitute Asia Power Index

power.lowyinstitute.org

 

[Achilles 1-1]

South Korea, China, and Taiwan have made significant strides in advanced manufacturing, eroding Japan's competitive advantage

I'm so happy to hear that South Korea is ahead of North Korea, they really deserve it, even if they don't really deserve to be ahead of Japan. I'm troubled to hear that the US is facing military pressure from China, I think China should look at a history of American wars and really think about what they're doing. China may have a bigger Navy, but their ships are fairly small, and only take on coastal responsibilities. Meanwhile, America has maybe the second biggest navy, but far larger, far more powerful, and far better ships, and we take on global responsibilities.

Then there's the Air Force.
China does not have the biggest, or most powerful Air Force, that's the USAF. Go look at a history of American Aeriel battles and they'll see that we're no slouch in the air. Think again, China.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

For years , the world has been buying cheap/inexpensive items from China , filling it's coffers with millions if not billions of dollars. China has been building every branch of it's military including the all important air craft carrier. When you look at the design of much of it's military , you can tell a lot of it is copy cat stolen design from the US and other countries. They make a formidable enemy with their giant population that can act as cannon fodder and a high death count won't bother their leadership. Their strong ties to Iran and Russia and North Korea also will give them false courage to take on WWIII without too much worry. Hope I'm not around if that ever happens. Just my humble opinion.

 

[Achilles 1-1]

China is ****** if they think Russia and North Korea and Iran can carry them through WWIII. America just has too many powerful allies, we got the UK, France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and others.