Japan's subsidies to relocate production of essential goods from China to Japan or Southeast Asia to cope with #COVID__19 supply chain disruptions does not amount to decoupling, it is risk management. Yet, significant move given Japan-China rapprochement of recent years. 1/ In my paper for @BrookingsFP’s #GlobalChina project, I explain that growing uncertainty about the role of the U.S. created a powerful incentive for Japan and China to stabilize their relationship after years in disrepair. brook.gs/3c4i0ng 2/