Japan’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Link with Iran

Javad Heiran-Nia
Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” is linked to the Persian Gulf region. Energy resources, concerns about China’s influence on the region’s energy and transit corridors, and the suitable consumption market have made this region and Iran have a special place in Japan’s Indo-Pacific policy. This issue brief discusses how Iran plays an important role by creating a delicate balance and maintaining a suitable distance from China. In addition to providing the energy needed by Japan and creating investment opportunities in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries and ports, Iran can obtain its technological needs from Japan and diversify its corridor routes by creating the North-South Corridor and connecting India to Central Asia and Europe as well. Such a move would ensure that India does not lag behind in the competition with China’s corridors; a move that is also welcomed by Tokyo.
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