Episode
Former Japanese Ambassador: "Placating China Is A Recipe For Disaster" | Shingo Yamagami
- Podcast
- John Anderson: Conversations
- Published
- Apr 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3502
- Processing state
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Summary
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.