Abstract:
The changing security environment surrounding Japan has
brought Japan to become more enhance in shaping its security
direction. Following the newest revision of Japan‟s National
Security Strategy and National Defense Program Guidelines in
2013, Japan has brought a more proactive attitude towards its
strategy despite its military constraints; particularly on its
maritime presence, seeing the significance of securing maritime
stability as Japan is one of the largest archipelago nations. One of
Japan‘s priority is projected on the South China Sea dispute, one
of the most complex security issues in the Asia-Pacific region,
which grasped Japan‘s attention as its national interests lie within
the disputed waters. The shift in Japan‘s naval and maritime
strategy has resulted in a more intensified approach towards the
South China Sea; encouraged by China‘s assertive behavior, in
which perceived to be changing the status quo. Under the principle
of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” and the pursuance of “Open
and Stable Seas”, Japan strengthen its strategy through the
adoption of U.S.‘ “rebalance” strategy, the enhancement of defense
cooperation as well as capacity building of the regional countries,
the escalating dispatch of its naval power, which projected in joint
naval exercise and ship port visit to respond China‘s assertiveness
in the South China Sea.
