Many nations in Southeast Asia are very sensitive to Japanese actions. During World War II most of the area was occupied by the Japanese military, and the experience left many bitter memories. Postwar Japan is peaceful, but it is still an economic superpower that dominates trade and economic affairs throughout the region. Because of this great economic influence, many nations in this area fear any sign of possibly resurgent Japanese nationalism and militarism. Japan's military cooperation with the United States can be a useful counter to Russian and Chinese forces, but only as long as the United States controls any Japanese tendency to use its influence on Southeast Asian nations.
Japan already has one of the ten largest military budgets in the world.
Greater military spending could make Japan a threat to other countries in the region. Any expansion of Japan's military role outside of Japanese territory should be avoided. Directions for the debate 1. Choose six students and assign each one of the roles. Alternatively, take half the class and divide it into six teams with each taking one role.