Q: What are the geopolitical implications of a diminished Japan, especially given China’s rise? A: Even if they were bustling with more children and had a growing population, the rise of China is such a huge problem for them that it makes no difference. They cannot stand up to China and they certainly cannot do what they did in the 1930s, when they tried to and nearly did conquer large parts of China. They need the US security guarantee. The Japanese on their own cannot overwhelm or block the Chinese. But the Japanese in alliance with the Americans can. And they will keep the alliance, but
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