ABSTRACT
Japan has a modernised and highly sophisticated Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF), although it is constitutionally restricted to operating only in a defensive role. It is likely that Japan will emerge as a military superpower in Northeast Asia in the twenty-first century, when its enormous economic potential is taken into account. The grave concerns of the Asia-Pacific region are now focused on what effect the Japanese military build-up will bring about in the post-Cold War situation in the region.1 The steady expansion of its military capabilities and an increased emphasis on forward defence have raised concern in the rest of the region regarding Japan's future role in the Asian strategic order. Tokyo has expanded its sea lanes defence perimeter to 1,000 nautical miles, and defence spending has exceeded the self-imposed 1 per cent GNP ceiling.
