Abstract

Recently, China has shown her strong expansionism in East Sea while The US also expresses her determination of implementing the “coming back to Asia” policy. In that context, Japan openly expresses the concerns and actively establishes its role in solving the issues of East Sea. The recent move of Japan is not a single move but in a series of strategic policies of Japan in order to ensure maritime security of Japan as well as restrain the expansionism of China. ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines give a cheerful reception toward this move of Japan and hope that Japan can play an active role and more effective in resolving the issue of East Sea dispute. This paper will clarify the following issues: 1. The concern of Japan toward the East Sea Dispute and the move of Japan in the issue. 2. Expectation of ASEAN countries and the world about the role of Japan in resolving the East Sea dispute. 3. From Japan’s perspective of its maritime policy and international relationship strategy, particularly the relationship with the US, China, and ASEAN, the paper will examine whether Japan can meet the expectations of ASEAN countries and the world in resolving the issue of East Sea Dispute.