The imperative in the Indo-Pacific region is to build a new strategic equilibrium pivoted on a stable balance of power. A constellation of likeminded states linked by interlocking strategic cooperation has become critical to help build such equilibrium. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the author of the “free and open Indo-Pacific” concept that the US is now pushing. But Japan faces important strategic challenges. To secure itself against dangers that did not exist when its current national-security policies and laws were framed, Japan must bolster its security or risk coming under siege. US security interests will be better served by a more confident and secure Japan that assumes greater responsibility for its own defense and for regional security. The US must encourage Japan, which has not fired a single shot against an outside party since World War II, to undertake greater national-security reforms. Peace in Asia demands a proactive Japan.

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日本在新兴的印度太平洋秩序中的关键作用

印度太平洋地区的当务之急是建立以稳定的力量平衡为基础的新的战略平衡。由相互联系的战略合作联系在一起的志趣相投的国家群对于帮助建立这种平衡已经变得至关重要。日本首相安倍晋三（Shinzo Abe）提出了美国现在正在推行的“自由开放的印度太平洋”概念。但是日本面临着重要的战略挑战。为了保护自己免受当前国家安全政策和法律制定时所不存在的危险，日本必须加强其安全或遭受围困的风险。一个更加自信和安全的日本将更好地为美国的安全利益服务，日本将为自己的国防和地区安全承担更大的责任。美国必须鼓励日本，自第二次世界大战以来，该国未曾向外部政党开过任何枪，以进行更大的国家安全改革。亚洲和平需要一个积极主动的日本。