Podcast
U.S.-Japan Technology and Economic Security
In this episode of Asia Insight, Doug Strub hosts a conversation with Michael Beeman and Daisuke Kawai on how the United States and Japan are bolstering their technological and economic security while navigating digital disruptions and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Michael Beeman served as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 2017–2023.
Daisuke Kawai is Director of the Economic Security and Emerging Technology Program and Project Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology. He is also a Nonresident Fellow at NBR.
Doug Strub is Senior Director of Research and Programs at NBR.
Timestamps
[01:25] There are varying definitions of economic security being used by different countries. How do the United States and Japan define economic security? How has this shifted and evolved over the last few years?
[07:04] What are the motivating factors that have driven these technology and economic security policies in each country? Have there been specific instances that have pushed policymakers in a certain direction or caused them to emphasize this issue? How has that shaped the thinking behind the issue?
[16:07] How have the United States and Japan collaborated in supply chain resilience? Has this been successful in critical sectors, such as semiconductors and critical minerals?
[22:29] How are the two countries cooperating in the digital sector? What is their approach to a secure digital infrastructure?
[25:30] Is the United States committed to funding and developing digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia as Japan is doing? How important is it to create resilient global and regional digital infrastructures?
[29:53] Given the new leadership in each country, what are the bigger picture shifts in the U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific in recent months? How could this shift impact cooperation between Japan and the United States on economic security issues?
[33:43] Can we expect bigger policy changes from Japan as tariffs expand and trade policy continues to shift in the United States?
Related Publication
See the NBR report “U.S.-Japan Technology and Economic Security: Achieving Resilience in an Era of Disruption”
About Asia Insight
The NBR podcast series Asia Insight features interviews with top Asia experts about key issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on implications for U.S. policy and businesses. Subscribe to Asia Insight on Podbean and Apple Podcasts and let us know what you think of the podcast on Twitter.
Media Contact: [email protected] or (202) 347-9767.
Asia Insight theme music is by Laura Schwartz of Bellwether Bayou.
This podcast was edited by Jerome Siangco at NBR.