MOD Efforts for the Vision of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)"

A free and open maritime order, which relies on the rule of law, is the foundation for the stability and prosperity of the international community.

As the Indo-Pacific region is the core of the world’s vitality supporting more than half the world’s population, it is especially vital for global stability and prosperity to realize the stable and autonomous development of this region.

At the same time, there are a number of challenges existing in the region, including in Japan’s vicinity, such as the rapid modernization of military forces and intensification of military activities.

In light of this situation, the Ministry of Defense/Japan Self-Defense Forces (MOD/JSDF) clearly states in the National Defense Program Guidelines (2018) that, “In line with the vision of free and open Indo-Pacific, Japan will strategically promote multifaceted and multilayered security cooperation, taking into account characteristics and situation specific to each region and country. As part of such efforts, Japan will actively leverage its defense capability to work on defense cooperation and exchanges which include joint training and exercises, defense equipment and technology cooperation, capacity building assistance, and interchanges among military branches. The MOD/JSDF therefore aims to create a security environment favorable to Japan, through efforts to: (1) ensure the stable use of major sea lanes through defense cooperation and exchanges, (2) prevent contingencies through confidence building and mutual understanding, and (3) contribute to the peace and stability through activities in the region in cooperation with partner countries.

Regions to enhance cooperation in achieving FOIP

Defense cooperation and exchanges are being strengthened with Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Pacific Island countries, along which key sea lanes are located, as well as other regions in the Indo-Pacific, including the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

1. Southeast Asia (ASEAN countries)

Japan has further strengthened defense cooperation and exchanges with ASEAN countries based on the consistency between FOIP and the “ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP),” which was issued by ASEAN in June 2019 while pursuing synergies between FOIP and AOIP. Various concrete cooperation activities are being continually advanced with ASEAN countries, such as capacity building, bilateral exercises, and defense equipment and technology cooperation, including the transfer of TC-90 training aircraft to the Philippines.

In addition to these bilateral relationships, cooperation is also being advanced within multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Japan shares “Vientiane Vision 2.0” with ASEAN countries, which is a guideline for future ASEAN-Japan defense cooperation.

2. South Asia

With Sri Lanka, members of the Sri Lankan Air Force were invited to observe training, such as the training in search, detection and rescue at sea, conducted by the Japan Air-Self Defense Force (JASDF) air rescue unit.

3. Pacific Island Countries

Commencing in 2015, ongoing capacity building program is provided to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the establishment and development of a military band. In addition, the JASDF conducted the multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise operation “Christmas Drop” with the United States, Australia and New Zealand. And, in the airdrop exercises, Japan has dropped various donations to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Furthermore, ships and aircraft have also provided materials through various port calls and aircraft visits, further strengthening relations.

4. Middle East and Africa

With Middle Eastern countries, Japan has been actively participating in multilateral security councils in the Middle East and promoting JSDF port calls and aircraft visits. In addition, a training program on the operation of heavy machinery was provided to Djibouti as part of support for the enhancement of disaster response capacity.

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A new pamphlet introducing the MOD’s approach in achieving the vision of FOIP has been published.