Addressing Japan’s Maritime Presence in the South China Sea: The Implementation of Japan’s Shifting Maritime and Naval Strategy in Responding China’s Assertiveness (2013-2018)

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.