Kazuto Suzuki, an expert in Japan's economic security, discusses the new national security law, semiconductor supply chains, historical economic coercion, and Japan's space commercialization goals. Co-hosted by Arrian Ebrahimi, they also touch on export controls, US-Japan cooperation, and lessons from history.
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Quick takeaways
Japan prioritizes economic security amidst geopolitical tensions with China, focusing on national resilience and supply chain protection.
Japan's efforts to balance economic growth and national security are demonstrated through initiatives like the Economic Security Promotion Act and establishment of the Institute of Geoeconomics.
Collaboration with the U.S and Netherlands on export controls showcases Japan's commitment to securing semiconductor supply chains and reducing risks from technological dependencies.
Deep dives
The Impact of Geopolitics on Japan's Economic Security
Geopolitical tensions between Japan and China due to past incidents like the collision near the Senkaku islands influenced Japan's focus on economic security. The episode discusses how China's economic coercion tactics, like limiting rare minerals crucial for Japanese automobiles, prompted Japan to prioritize supply chain resilience and the Economic Security Promotion Act.
Balancing Economic Growth and National Security
The podcast highlights the need for Japan to balance economic growth and national security concerns, particularly in the context of China's economic tactics. The establishment of the Institute of Geoeeconomics and initiatives like the Economic Security Promotion Act underscore Japan's efforts to safeguard national interests while fostering industrial development.
Export Controls and Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
Discussions on export controls around semiconductor manufacturing equipment and their impact on Japan's semiconductor industry and national security are explored. Japan's collaboration with the U.S and Netherlands on export controls reflects efforts to secure supply chains and mitigate risks associated with technological dependencies.
Innovations in Japan's Space Program
Exciting developments in Japan's space program are highlighted, such as increased funding, participation in the Artemis program with the U.S, and advancements in rocket technology. The collaboration with the U.S in space missions and innovations like spacecraft for removing space debris showcase Japan's advancements in the space industry.
Reflections on Twitter Usage in Policy Debates
Insights into the Japanese policy debate on Twitter reveal a more nuanced and relative approach to discussions compared to other regions. Twitter serves as a platform for sharing policy propositions and opinions, with less emphasis on intense debates or confrontational interactions. The Japanese Twitter sphere maintains a different quality of discourse with diverse views and minimal aggressive debates.
To learn about Japan’s new economic national security policy, export controls, chip policy, lessons from history, and even space policy, we interviewed Kazuto Suzuki.
Suzuki-san is a professor at the University of Tokyo. He serves as an advisor to Japan’s Ministry of the Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) as well as advising Japan’s space program. He served on the UN Security Council's Iran Sanctions Panel, and he also recently established the Institute of Geoeconomics at the International House of Japan.
We get into…
What Japan’s new economic national security law does, and what it means for global semiconductor supply chains;
The state of multilateral export controls;
Nippon steel, the US election, and cooperation between East Asian democracies;
Historical examples of economic coercion, from the Qing Dynasty to FDR vs imperial Japan to the Senkaku islands;
Japan’s goals for space commercialization;
… and more!
Co-hosting today is Arrian Ebrahimi, student at Yenching academy and author of the Chip Capitols Substack.