Chapter Nine
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Development of multilateral security network
Japan has made an effort to develop a “multilateral security network” with
Australia, India, and ASEAN countries in conjunction with reinforcing the
Japan-U.S. alliance and preparing an effective self-defense capability. It is
also very important for Japan to come to terms with the Republic of China
on the Japan-ROC fishery agreement. It is possible to say that all of
Japan’s efforts to develop a multilateral security network are in accordance
with America’s “rebalancing” strategy.
Security network with regional powers
Japan has created a close security relationship with Australia, an important
regional power in the Pacific, since declaring the joint communiqué on
security cooperation in 2007. Both countries signed an Acquisition and
Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) on the supply of goods and services
for peacekeeping operations or emergency relief. The agreement came into
force in January 2013. Japan also signed a General Security of Military
Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Australia, a basis for military
information sharing, which came into effect in March 2013. Japan and
Australia have been increasing not only their bilateral military exercises,
but also trilateral exercises with the United States.
India is located on the path of the sea lanes from the Middle East to
Japan and plays a major role in keeping the stability of the Indian Ocean.
In this sense, security cooperation with India is crucial for Japan. Japan
has been developing security cooperation with India since signing the joint
security communiqué in October 2008. An important step was taken when
both countries drew up an action plan for joint exercises in December
2009 and conducted a joint exercise with vessels of the JMSDF and the
Indian Navy around Japan in June 2012.
Furthermore, the Abe administration has also been improving
relationships with European countries to foster security cooperation. For
example, Japan and NATO announced a joint declaration in April which
includes cooperation in securing sea lanes. Furthermore, Japan agreed with
France to hold 2+2 negotiations for defense cooperation in June. In July
2013, for the first time, Japan signed an agreement of co-development of
defense equipment and GSOMIA with the United Kingdom. Japan’s
cooperation with the U.K. and France, as stake holders of Asian security,
is of crucial importance. Japan also agreed to sign the ACSA with Canada
in September 2013.