ABSTRACT
Japan’s approach to the Indo-Pacific aims to achieve its “strategic autonomy” by building strong diplomatic and defense cooperation with various countries in the region. The growing Chinese maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific has been a primary concern for Japan whose energy and trade are maritime dependent. Therefore, Japan under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe adopted most comprehensive foreign policy framework called “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategy which emphasis on concept like “Open Seas” and “Freedom of Navigation.” The FOIP act as a pivot in the region to keep the United States engaged in Asia, at the same time, it provides Japan an opportunity to network with security partners in the region as well as new entrants like Britain and France to create a favorable security environment in the region. According to the FOIP strategy, The Japan Self-Defense Force plays an important role in shaping the regional security environment. Based on the above context, this article seek to explain and analyze Japan effort in creating a maritime-based security network in the region. Also, how Japan engagement in various bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral partnership is shaping regional maritime security initiative in the Indo-Pacific region.
