ABSTRACT
The 2010 National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) provides guidance for defense policy and set the force structure for the next decade. 1 The NDPG, reflecting the changing regional and global security environment, abandoned Japan’s long-held “static” defense posture and introduced the new concept of “dynamic defense” that envisions an increased operational level and tempo for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF). In this context, the Japanese government has shifted its strategic focus from the north to the south to meet challenges from the rise of China, especially its growing naval power. The emphasis on Japanese defense of the Ryukyu island chain and plans to increase the submarine fleet from 16 to 22 reflects this strategic shift. Given China’s improving anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, the NDPG also calls for strengthening partnerships with South Korea, Australia, India, ASEAN members, and NATO and to secure the maritime, space, and cyber commons.
