Japan’s Security and Defense Policy and the Japan-U.S. AlliancePartⅡ

Digest

Proactive Contribution to Peace based on the Principle of International CooperationThe National Security Strategy (NSS) developed in December 2013 sets forth Japan’s fundamental principle of national security, which is that Japan will continue to adhere to the course that it has taken as a peace-loving nation, and contribute even more proactively in securing peace, stability, and prosperity of the international community, while achieving its own security as well as peace and stability in the Asia-Pacifi c region as a proactive contributor to peace based on the principle of international cooperation.

Japan’s Basic Defense PolicyThe NDPG specifi es (1) Japan’s own efforts, (2) strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and (3) active promotion of security cooperation as the basic principles from the perspective of becoming a proactive contributor to peace based on international cooperation.

Building a Dynamic Joint Defense ForceTo build a Dynamic Joint Defense Force, the MOD conducts capability assessments based on joint operations for the enhancement of deterrence and response capability by pursuing further joint operations, improving the mission-capable rate of equipment and its employment to conduct activities, as well as developing defense capabilities adequate both in quality and quantity that underpin various activities.

Role of the Defense Forces

1 The following points will be emphasized in particular as effective means of deterrence and response to various situations:

(1) Ensuring the security of the sea and airspace surrounding Japan (2) Response to an attack on remote islands (3) Response to ballistic missile attacks (4) Responses in outer space and cyberspace (5) Responses to major disasters

2 The following points will be emphasized in particular for the stabilization of the Asia-Pacifi c region and improvement of the global security environment:

(1) Holding training and exercises (2) Promoting defense cooperation and exchange (3) Promoting capacity building assistance(4) Ensuring maritime security (5) Implementing international peace cooperation activities (6) Cooperating with efforts to promote arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation

1 The Medium Term Defense Program (MTDP) (FY2014-FY2018) developed in December 2013 based on the NDPG specifi es the review of major units, major projects concerned with the capability of the SDF, policies to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, the maintenance scale of main equipment (“appendix”), and required expenses.

2 The expenditures required to implement the defense capability build-up described in this program amount to approximately 24.670 trillion yen in FY2013 prices.

The National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) developed in December 2013 based on the NSS defi nes Japan’s basic defense policy, the role of its defense forces, and the target levels for the specifi c structures of the SDF.

The National Security Strategy

The National Defense Program Guidelines

The Medium Term Defense Program

■Relationship among the NSS, the NDPG, the MTDP, and the fi scal year budget

NSS

NDPG

MTDP

Annual budget

based on NSS

achieve target levels of defense force

appropriate budget, develop specific projects

Basic policy for national security centered around diplomatic and defense policies(approx. 10-year time frame)

Prescribe future defense force and target levels of defense force that Japan should achieve (approx. 10-year time frame)

Indicate (limits of) five-year total expenditures and quantity of major equipment

Examine based on the current situations, appropriate annual budget as necessary

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Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

27 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2017

DEFENSE OF JAPAN2017

Japan will steadily build up its defense capability in FY2017, which is the fourth fi scal year under the NDPG and the MTDP, to establish a Dynamic Joint Defense Force, based on these programs. The main activities are as follows.

In FY2017, in order to strengthen the posture for protecting the life and property of the Japanese people as well as Japan’s territorial land, sea, and airspace in light of the increasingly severe security environment, Japan has increased defense-related expenditures following on from FY2016 (increased 0.8% from the previous year to 4.8996 trillion yen).

■Trend in Defense-Related Expenditures Over the Past 15 Years

49,262

48,760

48,297

47,90347,815

47,426

47,02846,826

46,62546,453

46,804

47,838

48,22148,607

48,996

46,000

47,000

48,000

49,000

50,000

27 28 29262524232221201918171615

Note: Does not include SACO-related expenses, portion meant to reduce the burden on the local community out of the U.S. forces realignment expenses, or expenses associated with the acquisition of a new government aircraft. The total defense expenditures when including these items are 4,952.7 billion yen for FY2003, 4,902.6 billion yen for FY2004, 4,856.0 billion yen for FY2005, 4,813.6 billion yen for FY2006, 4,801.3 billion yen for FY2007, 4,779.6 billion yen for FY2008, 4,774.1 billion yen for FY2009, 4,790.3 billion yen for FY2010, 4,775.2 billion yen for FY2011, 4,713.8 billion yen for FY2012, 4,753.8 billion yen for FY2013, 4,884.8 billion yen for FY2014, and 4,980.1 billion yen for FY2015, 5,054.1 billion yen for FY2016, and 5,125.1 billion yen for FY2017.

Build-Up of Defense Capability in FY2017

Defense-Related Expenditures

Advanced interceptor missiles for BMD that can be fitted on Aegis ships (SM-3 Block IIA) will be acquired to deal with more sophisticated and diversifying future ballistic missile threats.

The Southwestern Composite Air Division will be abolished and the Southwestern Air Defense Force will be established to enhance Japan’s air defense posture in the southwestern region.

Six F-35A fi ghters will be acquired to obtain and secure air superiority. In addition, one new air refueling and transport aircraft (KC-46A) will be acquired to allow Fighter Aircraft Units and other units to execute various operations continuously.

An amphibious rapid deployment brigade (tentative name) will be established to develop suffi cient amphibious operational capabilities, which enable the SDF to land, recapture, and secure without delay any remote islands that might be invaded.

The GSDF Ground Central Command will be established for the purpose of carrying out swift and fl exible nationwide operations of basic GSDF units under the joint operations.

As part of Japan’s ongoing initiative to increase its submarine force, Submarine Division 6 will be established, which will raise the number of submarine divisions to six, and a new class submarine (3,000 tons) with higher detecting and other capabilities will be built.

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Chapter 2

Chapter 2

28Digest

Japan’s Security and Defense Policy and the Japan-U.S. Alliance

PartⅡDigest

Revision of the Self-Defense Forces Law

1 Establishment of provisions for measures to rescue Japanese nationals overseasIn addition to the existing duty of “transportation of Japanese nationals and others overseas,” “rescue measures,” including guarding and rescue of Japanese nationals and others overseas, became possible.

2 Establishment of provisions for the protection of weapons and other equipment of the United States and other countriesThe provisions enable SDF personnel to protect the weapons and other equipment of the armed forces of the United States and other countries that are, in cooperation with the SDF, currently engaged in activities that contribute to the defense of Japan.

3 Expansion of the provision of supplies and services to the United States Armed ForcesThe revision expands the range of settings where the provision of supplies and services is possible, as well as the scope of supplies and services available.

Law Concerning Measures to Ensure Peace and Security of Japan in Situations that Will Have an Important Infl uence on Japan’s Peace and Security (Revision of the Law Concerning Measures to Ensure Peace and Security of Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan)

1 The name of situations that will have an important infl uence on Japan’s peace and security has been changed from “situations in areas surrounding Japan” to “situations that will have an important infl uence.”

2 “Armed forces of other foreign countries engaged in activities contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the UN Charter,” etc. were added as the armed forces, etc. responding to situations that will have an important infl uence on Japan’s peace and security that can receive Japan’s support. The law’s revision expanded the types of supplies and services the SDF can provide in situations that will have an important infl uence on Japan’s peace and security and also set forth measures to avoid integration with the use of force by a foreign country.

Amendment to the International Peace Cooperation Act

1 “Internationally coordinated operations for peace and security” (humanitarian relief support and safety-ensuring tasks not under the control of the UN) were added as operations Japan can participate in. In addition to the satisfaction of the Five Principles for Participation, Japan can participate in these operations based on UN resolutions or at the request of the UN, or other prescribed organizations.

2 The so-called “safety-ensuring operations” and the so-called “kaketsuke-keigo” operations, etc. were added as tasks of UN peacekeeping operations, etc., and the authority to use weapons was also reviewed. Prior Diet approval is required, in principle, for the “safety-ensuring operations.”

Revision of the Legislation for Responses to Armed Attack Situations

1 “Survival-Threatening Situation(*1)” was newly added to the situations to which Japan must respond under the Armed Attack Situations Response Act.

2 Necessary revisions were made to relevant laws to make it possible to issue an order for defense operations to respond to a “Survival-Threatening Situation” for the SDF’s primary duty of the defense of Japan, and also to require prior Diet approval for this, in principle, in the same manner as for the defense operations in the case of the armed attack situations, etc.

Enactment of the International Peace Support Act (New)

1 The International Peace Support Act enables Japan to conduct cooperation and support operations, search and rescue operations, and ship inspection operations for the armed forces of foreign countries engaged in operations for peace and security of the international community in “situations threatening the international peace and security that the international community is collectively addressing(*2)”.

2 The operations of the armed forces of foreign countries need to have competent UN resolutions as well as meet other requirements in order for Japan to provide support. The Act also sets forth measures in order to avoid “integration” with the use of force by a foreign country, such as those not allowing the SDF to conduct support activities “in the scene where combat operations are conducted at that time” in situations threatening the international peace and security that the international community is collectively addressing.

3 Prior Diet approval is required without exception, and re-approval is necessary in the case of a lapse of more than two years since the commencement of the response measures.

*1 A situation where an armed attack against a foreign country that is in a close relationship with Japan occurs and as a result threatens Japan’s survival and poses a clear danger to fundamentally overturn the people’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

*2 Situations that threaten peace and security of the international community, and the international community is collectively addressing the situations in accordance with the objectives of the UN Charter to remove the threat. In addition, Japan, as a member of the international community, needs to independently and proactively contribute to these activities.

The Legislation for Peace and Security, consisting of the Act for the Development of Legislation for Peace and Security and the International Peace Support Act, was passed and enacted in September 2015 and entered into force in March 2016. In FY2016, after the legislation entered into force, the MOD/SDF conducted the necessary training related to the legislation, assigned new duties for the UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, and approved guidelines for the operation of the protection of weapons and other equipment of the United States and other countries.

Legislation for Peace and Security

Overview of Development of the Legislation for Peace and Security

▲

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29 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2017

DEFENSE OF JAPAN2017

■Key Points regarding the Legislation for Peace and Security

The exercise of the right of collective self-defense is not permitted for the purpose of the so-called defense of a foreign country, namely, for the purpose of turning back an attack made against a foreign country.

Images of Situations and Conditions

Concerning Japan and Japanese NationalsConcerning International Cooperation

Reorganizing the Agenda Items of the National Security Council (NSC) [Act for Establishment of the National Security Council]

(Note) Cabinet Decisions on accelerating procedures to issue orders for public security operations and maritime security operations in cases of responding to a situation where an infringement that does not amount to an armed attack occurs in areas surrounding remote islands, etc., and police forces are not present nearby (Development of no new legislation)

International Peace Cooperation Activities[International Peace Cooperation Act]

The “Three New Conditions”(1) When an armed attack against Japan occurs or when an armed attack

against a foreign country that is in a close relationship with Japan occurs and as a result threatens Japan’s survival and poses a clear danger to fundamentally overturn people’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness

(2) When there is no other appropriate means available to repel the attack and ensure Japan’s survival and protect its people

(3) Use of force limited to the minimum extent necessaryShip Inspection Operations (Expansion)[Ship Inspection Operations Act]

・ Enable ship inspection operations in situations that the international community is collectively addressing for international peace and security

Transportation of Japanese nationals overseas, etc. [Self-Defense Forces Law]

Rescue of Japanese nationals overseas, etc. (New)

Protection of SDF’s weapons/other equipment [Self-Defense Forces Law]

Protection of weapons, etc. of the U.S. forces and armed forces of other countries (New)

Provision of supplies and services to the U.S. Armed Forces in peacetime [Self-Defense Forces Law] (Expansion)・ Expand situations where supplies/services can be provided, such

as the guarding of facilities of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Japan

UN PKO (Addition)

・ Additional roles by Japanese Corps in operation (ensuring security of specified areas including protection of local population)  

・ Review of authority to use weapons (small arms) in necessary cases

Internationally coordinated operations for peace and security (Multinational cooperation outside UN PKO framework, New)

Support activities (including logistics support) in situations that will have an important influence on Japan’s peace and security (Expansion)

[Law Concerning Measures to Ensure Peace and Security of Japan in Situations that Will Have an Important

Influence on Japan’s Peace and Security](Revision of the Law Concerning Measures to Ensure Peace and

Security of Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan)

・ Clarification of the purpose of the revision（Revision of the purpose of the Act）

・ Support activities for armed forces of foreign countries (not only the U.S.)

・ Expansion of the scope of support activities

Cooperation and Support activities to armed forces of foreign countries in situations that the international community is collectively addressing for international peace and security (New) [International Peace Support Act (New)]

Response to armed attack situations, etc[Legislation for Responses to Armed Attack Situations]Responses to “Survival-Threatening Situation” (New)

・ “Use of force” permitted under the “Three New Conditions”

The Situation of the Self-Defense Forces after the Enforcement of the Legislation for Peace and Security

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Implementation of Training Pertaining to the Legislation for Peace and SecuritySince August 2016, the SDF has undergone training related to the Legislation for Peace and Security, including training to prepare for the dispatch to peacekeeping operations in South Sudan and a multilateral joint exercise (Cobra Gold 17).

Assignment of New Task for the South Sudan PKOAfter a comprehensive consideration, the Government decided to assign the task of so-called “kaketsuke-keigo” starting with the 11th rotation of the SDF Engineering Unit to be deployed to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). Following the deliberations and the approval at the National Security Council, the Cabinet approved the revision of the Implementation Plans for the International Peace Cooperation Assignment for UNMISS on November 15, 2016.

The Operationalization of the Protection of Weapons and Other Equipment of the Units of the Armed Forces of the United States and Other CountriesIn order to ensure the appropriate operation of the system for the protection of weapons, etc., of the units of the U.S. Forces and the armed forces of other foreign countries, the Government decided on the Implementation Guidelines concerning Article 95-2 of the SDF Law at the National Security Council in December 2016, and started operating the article in relation to the U.S. Forces.

Conclusion of the New Japan-U.S. Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)The ACSA was prepared as a new agreement to enable the application of existing settlement procedures to the provision of supplies and services from the SDF to the U.S. Forces that become possible under the newly enacted Legislation for Peace and Security, and was approved and enforced by the Diet.

Revision of the Act for Establishment of the National Security Council

1 Responses to “Survival-Threatening Situation,” “situations that will have an important infl uence on Japan’s peace and security,” and “situations threatening international peace and security that the international community is collectively addressing” were added as items for deliberation.

2 “Rescue measures for Japanese nationals and others overseas” and “decisions on and changes in implementation plans for the implementation of safety-ensuring operations or ‘kaketsuke-keigo’ operations” were added as the items the National Security Council must deliberate without fail.

Defense Minister Inada being briefed by the commander of the 10th rotation of the SDF Engineering Unit during her visit to South Sudan (photo center)

Defense Minister Inada being briefed by the commander of the 10th

GSDF unit in a training of rescue of Japanese nationals overseas as part of the Cobra Gold 17 exercise

30Digest

Japan’s Security and Defense Policy and the Japan-U.S. Alliance

PartⅡDigest

1 The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, together with Japan’s own efforts, constitute the cornerstone for Japan’s security.

2 The Japan-U.S. Alliance centered on bilateral security arrangements functions as public goods that contribute to the stability and prosperity, not only of Japan but also of the Asia-Pacifi c region and the world at large.

3 As the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe, and the United States, at the same time, maintains and strengthens its engagement and presence in the Asia-Pacifi c region, it has become more important than ever to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance for the security of Japan.

4 The stationing of USFJ based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty not only contributes to the interests of Japan but also to the interests of the United States, which has an interest in this region.

The Guidelines update the general framework and policy direction for the roles and missions of Japan and the United States, as well as manifest a strategic vision for a more robust Alliance and greater shared responsibilities. The Guidelines newly specify the matters to be emphasized in security and defense cooperation, and maintain the concept of the objectives of the 1997 Guidelines.

Outline of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation

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In order to respond to the increasingly severe security environment, Japan and the United States will establish a seamless cooperation structure in all phases from peacetime to contingencies, including cooperation in “gray zone” situations, while enhancing the Japanese and U.S. presence in the Western Pacifi c. The two countries are continuing to promote the expansion of joint training and exercises as well as joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities, and also the expansion of the joint use of facilities and areas of both countries that serve as the bases for these activities.

Major Initiatives for Strengthening the Alliance

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Since February 2017, Japan and the United States have affi rmed the following in their series of bilateral summit meetings and defense ministerial meetings (February and June 2017).

1 The U.S. commitment to defend Japan through the full range of U.S. military capabilities is unwavering.

2 Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty covers the Senkaku Islands.

3 Close bilateral cooperation between Japan and the United States and trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the ROK are important for addressing North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs which are becoming a new level of threat.

4 The relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution, and the two countries will continue to cooperate closely for its realization.

Policy Consultations between Japan and the United States

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U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis (photo right) and Defense Minister Inada (photo left) shaking hands at a Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (June 2017)

President Trump and Prime Minister Abe during the Japan-U.S. joint press conference following the ballistic missile launch by North Korea (February 2017)

ASDF UH-60J rescue helicopter (photo front right) receiving mid-air refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-130 (photo left) along with a U.S. Air Force helicopter (photo rear right) during a Japan-U.S. bilateral joint exercise (Keen Sword 17) (October 2016)

MSDF destroyers JS Hyuga and JS Ashigara (two vessels in the center) sailing with U.S. Navy aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (front) and USS Carl Vinson (back) along with ASDF F-15 fi ghters during a Japan-U.S. joint exercise (June 2017)

The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements

Initiatives to Build the Foundation for Strengthening the Alliance

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Chapter 4

Chapter 4

31 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2017

DEFENSE OF JAPAN2017

■Changes in Number and Area of the USFJ Facilities and Areas (Exclusive Use) in Okinawa

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

As of January 2017

End ofFY1990

End ofFY1980

May 1972 (On return)

Right beforethe returningof Okinawa

Area (km2)

Facilities/Areas

43

242249

46

278

83

353

144

186

31

HNS plays an important role to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements, and the Government of Japan has thus been providing HNS while paying adequate attention to its tight fi scal situation.

For the Japan-U.S. Alliance to adequately function as a deterrence that contributes to Japan’s defense as well as to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacifi c region, it is necessary to secure the presence of USFJ and to maintain a posture to respond swiftly and expeditiously to emergencies. For this purpose, based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, Japan allows the stationing of USFJ, which is a core part of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements.

Stationing of the U.S. Forces in Japan

Host Nation Support (HNS)

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Realignment of USFJ is extremely important in mitigating the impact on local communities, such as those in Okinawa, while maintaining the deterrence capabilities of the U.S. Forces. The MOD will advance the U.S. Forces realignment and other initiatives while making continuous efforts to gain the understanding and cooperation of local communities accommodating USFJ facilities and areas.

Realignment of USFJ

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1 Approximately 70.6% of USFJ facilities and areas (for exclusive use) in Japan are concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture, occupying approximately 15% of the main island of Okinawa. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to make utmost efforts to mitigate the impact.

2 The relocation of MCAS Futenma is the only solution to eliminate its danger as quickly as possible while simultaneously maintaining the deterrence capabilities of the U.S. Forces. Thus, the Government of Japan is making all-out efforts to realize the relocation.

3 On December 22, 2016, the return of approximately 4,000 ha, a major portion of the Northern Training Area, was achieved, the largest of its kind since the reversion of Okinawa to the mainland.

4 As part of its initiatives to mitigate the impact on Okinawa in a tangible manner, the Government of Japan is addressing issues such as the return of land areas south of Kadena Air Base, the reduction of U.S. troops stationed in Okinawa and its relocation to Guam, and the training relocation of tilt-rotor/rotary-wing aircraft such as U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey aircraft.

Stationing of the U.S. Forces in Okinawa

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In regions other than Okinawa, the MOD is implementing measures to consolidate facilities and areas of USFJ and to proceed with the realignment of USFJ. Such measures are aimed at securing the stable presence of the U.S. Forces while maintaining its deterrence and trying to mitigate the impact on local communities.

Stationing of the U.S. Forces in Regions Other than Okinawa

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On March 31, 2017, an act revising part of the Act on Special Measures on Smooth Implementation of the Realignment of United States Forces in Japan (USFJ Realignment Special Measures Act) that came into force in August 2007 entered into force. The revisions include a ten-year extension of the expiration of the Act to March 31, 2027.

Initiatives for Smooth Implementation of the Realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan

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Training relocation of U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey aircraft (Forest Light 02)Training relocation of U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey

Ceremony for the return of the Northern Training Area held on December 22, 2016

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32Digest