Researchers from the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS), together with defense attaches and naval officers of the Philippines and other countries, attended the Briefing on Japan’s National Security Policy held on 15 October 2014 at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence.  The briefing is part of the activities of the Overseas Training Cruise organized by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa, Commander of the Japan Training Squadron, highlighted the current security environment experienced by Japan that necessitated increased self-defense capability.  This included its dependence on seaborne trade for its survival and prosperity, territorial disputes in the East and South China Sea, and military confrontation in the Korean Peninsula.  In response, strengthening the Japan-US alliance, active promotion of security cooperation and Japan’s own efforts such as building a comprehensive defense architecture are the approaches identified to understand Japan’s defense policy.