Conversation with Scott Harold of the Rand Corporation about Japan.

Is it hawkish? Is it front line refusing to bow or scrape or step back from the aggression of the People's Republic of China?

Scott's answer is matter of fact and very clear.

Also, what does Japan need from the U.S.? A little more clarity,

perhaps? Here's Scott to explain. More of this tonight. No, I don't think so. Not at all. I believe,

you know, Prime Minister Takeichi's focus is on substantially strengthening Japan's own indigenous capabilities. Its commitment to the

alliance is the second pillar and the third pillar is regional cooperation. So strengthen Japan,

strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, strengthen Japan's role in the region. I think all of that

is still in play very much so. In fact, she's just recently moved forward

with legislation designed to create an intelligence capability, a human intelligence capability

that would further strengthen Japan's national security decision making. So I think that's all

still in train. I think what we're seeing, though, is that China's rise continues to unsettle

the region and questions about U.S. commitment and capability in light of both changing political environments in the United States and the U.S. continued involvement in conflicts in the Middle East continue to generate questions for the region.