China prioritizes the strategic interests of economic development and a friendly relationship with Japan over territorial disputes – which will continue to be shelved in this case.
The US has come to recognize in China a rival power with the potential to challenge its supremacy. Thus, it is not a surprise to see a growing US military presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The threat from China, not the US request for burden-sharing, is the most acceptable reason for the Japanese to support an increase in the defense budget.
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