Abstract
Japan’s defence policy is currently facing its greatest turning point since World War II. In this paper, I shall highlight the salient points in the ‘Three Security Documents’ (Anpo Sanbunsho), which comprise the National Security Strategy, the National Defence Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program and collectively declared a change in Japan’s defence policy. The Anpo Sanbunsho identified China as a de facto virtual enemy and verified the reinforcement of the Japan–US alliance while announcing a significant increase in defence spending and the maintenance of counterstrike capability. I shall also ask whether the theory of deterrence capability, which the Japanese government repeatedly advocates, is really a rational choice. While the United States is actively pushing for Japan to become a military superpower, this paper will point out the dangers of the US’ China ‘siege’ strategy. In response, Japan has effectively abandoned its exclusively defence-oriented policy. On this basis, I propose that Japan’s future security policy should be based on a non-aligned diplomacy policy of demilitarisation that is consistent with the Japanese Constitution and question whether Asia’s current security environment has really changed. The paper shall conclude that Japan should adopt a security policy that strives for peace-building and does not rely on military force while implementing a non-armed, non-aligned policy.