China and Japan have little in common these days. But in one area the two countries appear to be proceeding along similar lines: both Beijing and Tokyo are working to establish newly institutionalised National Security Councils to co-ordinate their foreign policy and national security. Why?

Japan’s decision to establish a clearly defined and legislatively supported National Security Council has been long in coming. There had been several attempts in the past to establish such an entity, but this effort has more heft and strategic design than any previous push.

In China the recently concluded third plenum of the Chinese Communist party also outlined a prospective National Security Council-like entity at the centre of the Standing Committee to help facilitate the work of the Leading Groups and augment the daily responsibilities of the foreign and defence ministries. Chinese diplomats explain that the normal practices of Standing Committee meetings are overwhelmed with backed up decision-making, and there is a profound need for greater co-ordination at the centre, including to provide guidance on urgent and rapidly developing situations such as maritime disputes.