Strengthening Japan’s Defense Diplomacy

Overview
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic expansion and strengthening of international security cooperation involving Japan’s Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Japan now holds two plus-two meetings of foreign and defense ministers with several countries other than the United States, resulting in policy discussions at all levels and the conclusion of an array of defense agreements. The SDF are regularly engaged in exchange, joint training, and joint exercises with the militaries of other countries—even after the outbreak of COVID-19—and are expanding the use of such tools as the provision of capacity building assistance and used defense equipment to foreign forces.
　　Such “defense diplomacy” among defense authorities has become a global trend. A variety of initiatives are undertaken by the United States, the countries of Europe, Australia, China, and many others to build favorable relationships with other militaries. Efforts to build stronger defense ties and create a desirable security environment are becoming increasingly important as strategic confrontation in the Indo-Pacific between Washington and Beijing escalates into great power competition and heightens political uncertainty not only in East Asia but also in the areas between the Middle East and Western Pacific 
　　Given this, the Defence Diplomacy Project at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation has conducted a thorough study on this matter and issued this report with 9 specifc policy proposals on urgent issues confronting Japan’s defense and foreign policy.