National Institute for Defense Studies

ABSTRACT Unlike the common view that sees FOIP as a containment strategy against China, this article argues that Japan’s FOIP vision seeks to maintain an open and inclusive regional order that incorporates all regional countries into a common framework. To realize such a vision, Japan has strengthened its regional order-building efforts with other regional like-minded countries. However, such efforts have limitations in terms of the resource shortage, legal constraints, and the lack of regional consensus. Unless Japan can address these challenges, the FOIP would end up being a mere utopian dream, rather than a meaningful vision or strategy that can prevent the emergence of a Cold War and maintain an inclusive and rules-based order in the region.

This article examines the changing role of Japan and its alliance with the United States by focusing on the new Guidelines for Japan‐U.S. Defense Cooperation announced in April 2015. The article focuses particularly on the implications of the 2015 guidelines for a greater regional security role for Japan, including its potential cooperation with the United States and Australia. To do so, it first considers the meaning and roles encapsulated in the Defense Guidelines using two key concepts—”reassurance” and “burden‐sharing.” Second, the article discusses how the latest guidelines have increased the U.S. commitment to Japanese defense, while assigning Japan a greater security role in the region. Third, it examines the possibilities and challenges ahead for closer U.S.–Japan–Australia cooperation especially in the South China Sea, and concludes that achieving such a goal depends on how Japan can address its domestic and international issues, including the successful implementation of legal reforms in Japanese security policy.

Abstract The following sections are included:Expanding China's Presence in Global SecurityMilitary diplomacyChina's initiative in regional security cooperationChina's expanding role in global securityExpanding Military Power Projection CapabilityRMA with Chinese characteristics: Informationization“Beyond Taiwan”From transparency to accountability