The Development of Japan’s Marine Strategy and Its Enlightenment to China

Xiang lei

Abstract：Japan’s marine strategy is an important part of Japan’s national comprehensive development strategy.Japan-US alliance supports Japan to continuously improve its marine strategy，expand its national strength and international influence，and move towards the goal of a large maritime country.The development of Japan’s marine strategy enlightens China to adopt corresponding countermeasures，foster maritime safety awareness and actively promote multilateral maritime cooperation with other countries.

Key words：Japan；Marine Strategy；China；Marine Security

Evolution of Japan’s Maritime Strategy

ⅠJapan’s Maritime Strategy in the Early Stage of the Cold War

Japan’s failure in the Second World War made it necessary to dismantle its military power，which would undoubtedly interrupt Japan’s development path.Japan must reconsider its own development strategy，accept the separate occupation of the United States under the situation of domestic and foreign difficulties，and carry out all-round reform in accordance with the United States’ strategic approach.Therefore，according to the situation at home and abroad，the Cabinet of Ministers of Yoshida Mao took the idea of “building a country by trade” as the theoretical basis for guiding economic development，established the “building a country by trade ”line of “l(fā)ight armaments，heavy economy”.This problem has been studied previous （Mei Xiuting，2015，p.91）.

ⅡJapan’s Maritime Strategy in the 1990s

Japan’s marine strategy after the end of the cold war is a process of active expansion.The 1994 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into force.Its entry into force is closely related to the continuous implementation of Japan’s marine strategy.“In 1996，the Japanese Parliament ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and amended its territorial sea law and adjacent zone law，exclusive economic zone and continental shelf law，etc.” This problem has been studied previous （Duan Zhiting，F(xiàn)eng Liang，2011，pp.71-72） Moreover，the principle of the middle line is to gain benefits by distorting international law.After the adjustment in the 1990s，Japan made full preparations for the establishment of its expansionary marine strategy.

ⅢJapan’s Maritime Strategy in the Early 21st Century

After the September 11，2001 incident，the United States wanted to use anti-terrorism to seek world hegemony and launched regional wars successively.Japan is facing political and economic instability.It wants to follow the United States to join the ranks of anti-terrorism，gradually form its own expansionary marine strategy and send troops many times to expand its influence to the Indian Ocean and even the Middle East.Unlike before，the Japan-US alliance is gradually moving closer to how to deal with global security issues.At the beginning of the 21st century，Japan is gradually forming its own set of modern marine development strategies，and constantly advancing.

Enlightenment of Japan’s Marine Strategy to China

On the one hand，learn from the positive aspects of Japan’s marine strategy.With the help of the Japan-US alliance，Japan has adopted a proactive strategy in the region.China should also take the initiative in its marine strategy to respond to the changing international environment in a proactive manner.China can also learn from Japan’s experience in scientific research and vigorously promote scientific and technological innovation，innovative science and technology，and innovative talents.

On the other hand，facing the challenges of Japan’s marine strategy，China should adopt corresponding policies and strive to form its own unique marine development strategy.“As a developing country，China should dare to achieve leapfrog development in the concept of maritime rights.” This problem has been studied previous （Zhang Jingquan，2005，p.40） As China develops the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century，it needs more support and understanding from other countries with the concept of peace and cooperation.

Reference

[1]Mei Xiuting.J，Research on Japanese Sea Power Thought since Modern Times[J].Journal of diplomacy，2015：91.

[2]Duan Tingzhi & Feng Liang.J，Japan’s Marine Security Strategy[J].World Political and Economic Forum，2011：71-72.

[3]Zhang Jingquan.J，A Preliminary Study on Japan’s View of Maritime Power and Marine Strategy[J].Contemporary Asia Pacific，2005：40.

About the authors

Xiang Lei（1993—），female，Han，Qingdao City，Shandong Province，Master’s degree，Qingdao University，contemporary international relations.