Foreign Policy
Japan’s Security Policy
September 10, 2013
The 21st century is witnessing a rapid change in global power balance along with globalization. The security environment around Japan has become increasingly severe as represented by nuclear and missile development by North Korea. Transnational threats grounded on technological progress including international terrorism and cyber attacks are also increasing their significance.
In the current world, no nation can maintain its own peace and security alone. Japan, including its Self Defense Forces, has contributed to the maximum extent possible to the efforts to maintain and restore international peace and security, such as UN peacekeeping operations. Building on the ongoing efforts as a peaceful state, the Government of Japan is making various considerations on its security policy which include: the establishment of the National Security Council (NSC), the adoption of the National Security Strategy (NSS), and the review of the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG).
These considerations are made based on the belief that Japan needs to contribute more proactively to the peace and stability of the region and the international community, while coordinating with other countries including its ally, the United States.
National Security Council (NSC)
In June 2013, the bill to establish the National Security Council was submitted to the Diet of Japan, with the aim of establishing a forum which will undertake strategic discussions under the Prime Minister on a regular basis and as necessary on various national security issues and exercising a strong political leadership.
National Security Strategy (NSS)
National Security Strategy sets the basic orientation of diplomatic and defense policies related to national security. National Security Strategy and the National Defense Program Guidelines will be considered taking into account the discussions by the Advisory Panel on National Security and Defense Capabilities which was established in September 2013.
National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG)
On January 25, 2013, the Government of Japan decided to review the National Defense Program Guidelines within this year. The Ministry of Defense published the Defense Posture Review Interim Report on July 26.
Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security
As the security environment around Japan is becoming increasingly severe, with the recognition that the legal basis for security should be reconsidered to enable appropriate response, the issues relating to the Constitution of Japan, including the issue of collective self-defense, are considered by the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security. The Government will consider its response based on the discussions of the Panel.
Guidelines for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment etc
The Government of Japan has dealt with arms exports in a careful manner, in accordance with the Three Principles on Arms Exports and their related policy guidelines. Furthermore, in December 2012, the Government established the Guidelines for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment etc, based on the need to engage more proactively and effectively in peace contribution and international cooperation and the mainstreaming among developed countries of international joint development and production of defense equipment, etc.
Based on the Guidelines, part of the materials and equipment of the Japanese Engineer Group engaged in the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Haiti was granted to Haiti in January 2012, upon the withdrawal of the Self Defense Forces. As an international joint development and production project which serves to the security of Japan, the “Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Concerning the Transfer of Arms and Military Technologies Necessary to Implement Joint Research, Development and Production of Defence Equipment and Other Related Items” was concluded in July 2013, and chemical and biological protection technology cooperative research project is underway between Japan and the United Kingdom.
In the “Defense Posture Review Interim Report” published on July 26, 2013, it is stated that the Government will “examine the status of implementation of three principles on arms exports and take necessary measures.”
- Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on Guidelines for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment etc
- The Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Haiti concerning Japanese grant of part of the materials and equipment of the Japanese Engineer Group engaged in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in the Republic of Haiti
