Japan’s Maritime Security Strategy in Response to Chinese Military Power - The Protection of the SLOC

The thesis examines the evolution of Japan’s maritime security strategy by applying a defensive realist theoretical framework. More specifically, it analyzes the efforts of Japan to ensure the protection of the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) in relation to China’s growing seapower. It is argued that, as the PRC becomes more powerful and assertive at sea, Japan is shifting to a balancing strategy to counter it. The thesis starts with an Introduction that explains its objectives and the methodology that was adopted. This is followed by Chapter I, which describes the theoretical approach used to analyze the issue. Then, Chapter II shows how Tokyo’s maritime security strategy changed in the 1945-2006 period. Chapter III initially presents the transformations in Sino-Japanese relations; then it describes the aero-naval military buildup of China; and lastly it examines Japan’s defense policy to prove its shift toward balancing by examining its two pillars (namely reinforcing the JSDF and strengthening the alliance with the US). Finally, Chapter IV analyzes the empirical case of the East China Sea, initially by showing its strategic relevance and by presenting the dispute over the Senkaku / Diaoyu, and then by describing how Japan is practically acting to protect the SLOC in the region in a way consistent with balancing. The thesis ends with a Conclusion that summarizes the previous findings and demonstrates that Japan’s maritime security strategy has moved toward balancing, in accordance with the defensive realist framework.