Page 15 - 2018 Defense White Paper

society (xiaokang shehui) 7) between 2020 and 2035 and to establish a strong, prosperous, and
Chapter 1
culturally advanced socialist country by 2050. China is expected to pursue foreign policies that
promote the nation as a global power.
Japan is adhering to the principles of the ‘exclusively defense-oriented policy’ 8) based on

its pacif ist Constitution. However, it is also pursuing a transition to a more proactive defense
policy under the reasoning of “proactive pacif ism based on the principles of international
cooperation” 9) to provide safety for Japan and establish peace, stability, and prosperity in the

international community. In 2018, Japan began to transform the existing “Dynamic Joint
Defense Force” vision of the Self-Defense Force into the concept of “multidimensional defense
capabilities,” ref lecting the changes in the security environment including North Korea’s nuclear

and missile development, and China’s buildup of military strength.
Russia is expected to implement increasingly active and f irm foreign policies in the international
stage, especially toward Northeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, to accomplish the “rebirth
of Russia as a great superpower.” Russia will likely pursue the New East Policy 10) to develop

the Russian Far East and overcome the economic sanctions imposed by the international
community after Russia annexed Crimea. Russia is also expected to continue expanding its

military inf luence in the Asia-Pacif ic region in close coordination with China.

7) ‘Xiaokangshehui’ is a stage of social development in China that is supposed to follow the stage of ‘wenbao,’
meaning warmness and fullness. While ‘wenbao’ is about meeting the basic needs of citizens, ‘xiaokangsheshui’
refers to a middle-class society in which its members are able to enjoy culture and leisure.
8) It is a passive defense strategy where a defensive force is used only in the event of an attack, the extent of
use of a defensive force is kept to the minimum necessary for self-defense, and the defense capabilities to be
possessed and maintained by Japan are limited to the minimum necessary for self-defense.
9) A fundamental national security concept written in Japan’s National Security Strategy. The idea is that Japan
should contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the international community more proactively than ever
before to the extent that matches Japan’s national power.
10) In pursuit of the New East Policy, Russia created the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East in
2012 to develop the Russian Far East; promote a balanced development of its regions through cooperation
with the Asia-Pacific region; and, eventually, help achieve the revival of Russia as a superpower. A full
implementation of the policy began with the hosting of the first Eastern Economic Forum in 2015.

Section 2 Security Environment of Northeast Asia 13