The Evolving Course in Japan’s Defense Diplomacy and Security Policy The series of security policy announcements in and around the Indo-Pacific between 2011 and 2014, including the US “rebalance” towards the Asia-Pacific (2011); Japan’s reorientation to the Indo-Pacific (2012); and India’s upgrade of its 1992 “Look East” Policy to the “Act East” Policy (2014) resulted in promotion of bilateral JME. [...] The centrality of the Indo-Pacific in the 21st century augurs a naval century wherein geography illuminates and sets priorities for geostrategic vitality in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and the South and East China Seas. [...] Making the Indo-Pacific space a larger regional objective enhances the centrality of the Indian Ocean.16 In this reference, the January 2015 Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean identified bridging the Asia-Pacific with the Indian Ocean Region. [...] The first encompasses the “immediate neighborhood” in the form of southern Asia; the second circle includes the “extended neighborhood” stretching across Asia and the Indian Ocean Littoral; and, the third and final circle covers the entire global stage – with India being a key player in every successive circle, reflecting the Arthashastra’s realist vision of geopolitics and statecraft.28 In the in. [...] Besides, the geopolitical realities in the region called for Japan and India to adjust the thinking and formulation of their respective security strategies in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, especially as territorial and maritime disputes return to center stage.32 Consequently, India began institutionalized mechanisms for bilateral army and naval JMEs with Japan and various other South.
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