Section 2 Efforts for Peace and Stability of Japan and the International Community

1 National Security Initiatives

(1) “Proactive Contribution to Peace” Based on the Principle of International Cooperation

The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming more testing and uncertain at a remarkably faster speed. Changes in the balance of power in the international arena are accelerating and becoming more complex, and uncertainty over the existing order is increasing. Against such a backdrop, inter-state competitions are prominently emerging, in which states seek to shape global and regional order to their advantage as well as increase their influence. What is more, in the international community, there is a broadening and diversifying array of security challenges that cannot be dealt with by a single country alone. With respect to space and cyber domains, establishing international rules and norms has also been a security agenda. In the maritime domain, there have been cases where a country unilaterally claims its entitlements or takes actions based on assertions that are incompatible with existing international order. These have generated undue infringement to rights accorded under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Given that national security has been expanding its scope to economic and technological fields in recent years, the enhancement of efforts regarding the security policy in these fields is necessary. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles, as well as escalating international terrorism, remain grave challenges for the international community. Against such a background, qualitatively and quantitatively superior military powers are concentrating in the areas surrounding Japan, where clear trends are observed in further military buildup and an increase in military activities.

Facing such a security environment and other factors, it has become indispensable for Japan to make more proactive efforts in line with the principle of international cooperation. Japan cannot secure its own peace and security by itself, and the international community expects Japan to play a more proactive role for peace and stability in the world, in a way commensurate with its national capabilities. Japan will continue to adhere to the course that it has taken to date as a peace-loving nation, and as a major player in world politics and the economy, contribute even more proactively to securing the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community, and achieve its own security as well as peace and stability in the region, as a “Proactive Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation.

(2) Enforcement of the “Legislation for Peace and Security,” and Initiatives based on the Legislation

In order to adapt to the changes in the security environment surrounding Japan and to secure the lives and peaceful livelihood of its people, it is important to advance vibrant diplomacy to create a stable and predictable international environment. In addition, it is important to enable seamless responses to any situation, and to contribute even more proactively to the peace and stability of the international community under the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. To achieve these objectives, the “Legislation for Peace and Security” took effect in March 2016.

This legislation aims to solidify Japan's orientation as a peace-loving nation, including adherence to its exclusively defense-oriented policy. Moreover, the legislation strengthens the Japan-U.S. Alliance and enhances the deterrence capability of Japan, thus enabling Japan to prevent conflicts preemptively, and to further contribute to the international community.

Japan has taken advantage of a variety of opportunities to thoroughly explain the “Legislation for Peace and Security” to foreign countries. Not only the U.S., but also a number of countries and organizations including Australia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States, European countries, Latin America and the Caribbean countries, and the UN have expressed their understanding and support for this legislation. This clearly demonstrates that the “Legislation for Peace and Security” is legislation that contributes to the peace and security of the world.

(3) Territorial Integrity

Maintaining territorial integrity is a fundamental responsibility of the Government. Japan's policy to resolutely protect its land, sea and airspace remains unchanged. Japan will continue to maintain its stance of responding firmly but in a calm manner. Based on this, the relevant government agencies are working in close cooperation to advance measures to ensure a seamless and adequate response to any form of unlawful acts. At the same time, the Government of Japan engages in proactive efforts to promote awareness of Japan's position on terrestrial integrity among the international community, making use of the contacts and knowledge of our diplomatic missions overseas.