Former Japanese Ambassador: "Placating China Is A Recipe For Disaster" | Shingo Yamagami

Former Japanese Ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami joins John for a frank conversation about the bilateral relationship between Japan and Australia. Yamagami makes the case that this relationship is essential to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in light of an assertive and expansionist China. The discussion calls for a refusal to cower beneath China’s authoritarian demands, while warning that Australia may not be adequately prepared for a potential conflict over Taiwan. Yamagami argues that internal political and economic pressures within China could create a dangerous window for them to take more aggressive action in the Indo-Pacific. This is a sobering reminder that Australia must renew its commitment to its allies and remain vigilant in protecting its sovereign capabilities. Shingo Yamagami is a Japanese diplomat who served as the Ambassador to Australia from December 2020 to April 2023. Yamagami worked in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for four decades, also serving in Washington D.C., Hong Kong, Geneva and London. He is now the special advisor to the Japanese corporate law firm TMI Associates, and is the Senior Fellow of Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Sign up to John's newsletter here: https://johnanderson.net.au/contact/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Shingo Yamagami’s background 03:16 – Australia–Japan trade and economic relationship 06:33 – Shinzo Abe and historical Australia–Japan ties 09:07 – Post-WWII reconciliation and trust-building 14:20 – Japanese society: behaviour, norms, and efficiency 24:25 – Debate over China policy and strategic concerns 31:13 – China’s internal structural and economic challenges 34:29 – Taiwan scenario and regional security risks 46:49 – Japan’s defence policy and future strategic direction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues. John believes proper, robust dialogue is necessary if we are to maintain our social strength and cohesion. As he puts it; "You cannot get good public policy out of a bad public debate." If you value this discussion and want to see more like it, make sure you subscribe to the channel here:    / @johnandersonmedia   And stay right up to date with all the conversations by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://johnanderson.net.au/contact/ Follow John on X: https://x.com/JohnAndersonAC Follow John on Facebook:   / johnandersonac   Follow John on Instagram:   / johnandersonac   Support the channel: https://johnanderson.net.au/support/ Website: https://johnanderson.net.au/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Qh2fEs... 2QH0QLLWRVNX5LFA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Shingo on X: https://x.com/YamagamiShingo