Page 17 - 2020 Defence White Paper

and the world that the country overcame COVID-19, and is seeking to expand its
influence through active disinfection and quarantine support for the international Chapter 1
community while emphasizing the superiority of its system.
Japan is adhering to the principle of maintaining the "exclusively defense-oriented
13)
policy" based on its pacifist Constitution. However, it is also seeking to shift to a It is a passive defense
13)
more proactive defense policy under the reasoning of "proactive pacifism based on strategy in accordance
with the spirit of the Peace
the principles of international cooperation" to provide safety for Japan and realize Constitution. According
14)
to this strategy, defense
peace, stability, and prosperity in the international community. In addition, Japan is forces are utilized only
when attacked by the other
aiming to enhance its operational capabilities in space, cyber, and electromagnetics party, and the use and
sustainment of defense
through "multidimensional integrated defense" based on its "multidimensional forces is limited to a
15)
minimum within the scope
joint defense force" concept, reflecting the changes in the security environment necessary for self-defense.
including North Korea̓s nuclear and missile development and China’s military 14)
Fundamental ideology of
buildup. national security written in
Japan’s National Security
Russia continues to strengthen its defense capabilities by modernizing its military Strategy, The idea is that
Japan should contribute to
force and developing nuclear and space weapons while strengthening its strategic securing peace, stability,
and prosperity of the
cooperation with China within Northeast Asia. Meanwhile, disputes with the US international community
over the withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the more proactively than ever
in line with its national
New START (US–Russia Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) are deepening. power.
15)
Ability to carry out cross-
domain operations by
enhancing the overall
2. Defense Policies and Military Trends of Neighboring Countries capability through the
synergy of organically
integrating the capabilities
of all areas including new
The US maintains its strategic and military superiority in Northeast Asia while areas such as space,
cyber, and electronic
China, Japan, and Russia are vying to build up their military strength, mainly their warfare in addition to
existing areas such as
naval and air forces. [Chart 1-1] summarizes the military strength of the four major land, sea, and air (Source:
Japanese Defense White
powers that are surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Paper)

Chapter 1. Changes and Challenges in the Security Environment 15