Election shock in key US ally Japan could embolden China, other rivals

A shock election result in Japan, Washington's key Asian security ally, and the United States' potentially destabilising presidential election next week could provide an opportunity for China and other rivals to test Western resolve in East Asia.

Analysts say China could increase intrusions into Japanese territory as well as step up pressure on Taiwan, while North Korea, which has been deepening its security cooperation with Russia, could intensify ballistic missile testing.