The concept of sea power, proposed by Alfred Mahan, was aimed initially at the exclusive control over sea lanes and areas vital to a nation’s interest or operations. However, sea power is now being transformed into a diplomatic tool, with its ability to provide a "free and open ocean" seen as a safe public good, maintained through international order, that contributes to confidence building and deterrence of armed conflicts. Considering the upheaval in the maritime order in recent times, what kind of influence does sea power wield, and what strategic roles are expected of it?

Issues regarding the ocean are some of the most important affecting Japan-China relations. Japan and China have reached a number of agreements and common understandings, and if these are steadily implemented maritime disputes can be kept under control. Therefore, peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to the principle of cooperation are the main principles for handling maritime issues without affecting Japan-China relations. On this basis, it is important to build a maritime community sharing a common future between Japan and China that will enable us to enjoy the benefits of the ocean in a sustainable manner and promote constructive and stable Japan-China relations that meet the demands of the times.

Sea power is a deterrent for avoiding conflict with China. China attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by resolving maritime issues, such as differences in interpretation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, through extra-legal means. It is necessary to utilize sea power to enable various maritime issues to be resolved in accordance with UNCLOS. In order to avoid conflict with China, Japan uses the Maritime Self-Defense Force, a force for peace, to illustrate what maritime order is and to manifest and hand it down as common sense.