David Walton
![David Walton](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Walton_crop.jpg)
Biography
Publications
David Walton is an Adjunct Fellow in the Meiji Centre, Western Sydney University. His interests are at the cross section of international relations and diplomatic history. David was a Senior Lecturer at WSU and has been a visiting professor at Tokyo University (Japan Foundation Fellow), Meiji University, Beijing Foreign Studies University and Seoul University.
![Abe Shinzo: Australia’s “best friend” in Asia](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2022-07/Abe.jpeg?itok=X2CJQhjy)
Abe Shinzo: Australia’s “best friend” in Asia
Shinzo Abe was a pioneer of Australia-Japan relations in a complicated geopolitical region.
![Biden’s comfortable style of diplomacy will be welcome for Japan](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1283937523.jpg?itok=ceUToWKI)
Biden’s comfortable style of diplomacy will be welcome for Japan
Fear within Tokyo circles that the US will become “too soft” on China missed the nuance a new administration will adopt.
![Australia has lost its “best friend” in Asia](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1062691032.jpg?itok=PcMXjjIa)
Australia has lost its “best friend” in Asia
Whale hunts and submarine deals gone awry caused prickles, but Abe Shinzo sought special relationship with Canberra.
![Japan and coronavirus: Abe needs to make bold decisions](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1217160780.jpg?itok=zxWhNJhK)
Japan and coronavirus: Abe needs to make bold decisions
A tradition of limited touching may slow the virus spread but political missteps leave the country vulnerable.
![Coping with Covid-19 as the Tokyo Olympics loom](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1205265714.jpg?itok=xH6D_8cF)
Coping with Covid-19 as the Tokyo Olympics loom
Postponement looks likely – but a complete cancellation could be disastrous for Japan, Abe Shinzo included.
![Japan: Article 9 conundrum rears its head again](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1198061032.jpg?itok=9JE7VkL2)
Japan: Article 9 conundrum rears its head again
The next 18 months offer Abe Shinzo his last chance as Prime Minister to amend Japan’s 1946 “Peace Constitution”.
![Soft power, hard weather: Japanese resilience](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1175790475.jpg?itok=OdOtQ-BK)
Soft power, hard weather: Japanese resilience
A ferocious typhoon has tested Japan amid the Rugby World Cup and before the Olympics – and taught valuable lessons.
![The Australia-Japan relationship: Worthy of more reflection](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/Abe_Turnbull.jpg?itok=HKohCxZ8)
The Australia-Japan relationship: Worthy of more reflection
Our complicated relationship with China and the implications of President Trump for Australia have eclipsed thoughtful reflection on the Australia-Japan relationship.