In 2013, the NSS had affirmed that Russia and China were “strategic partners”. The latest NSS does not detract from that line but adds North Korea to the group. It did, however, refer to China as the most comprehensive “strategic challenge”.

Thus, the Japanese military strategy continues to evolve. From one based on some contemporary attempts to take a more flexible reading of the Pacifist constitution to allowing Japan to aid and abet the military efforts of the United States, Japan’s main security ally.

Yet coming to the assistance of the latter was what Japan did during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, under then-prime minister Kaifu Toshiki, albeit in the most strenuous manner when Japan was unwilling to perform such a role.

The bill of Japanese defense assistance came to an astounding US$9 billion then. As things were then, and now, the NSS of Japan continues to change ever so organically based on foreign events.

As it is, the new concept of deterrence is one guided by the doctrine of pre-emptive or counterattack. The NSS affirmed in uncategorical terms that Japan “faces the severest and most complicated national security environment since the end of the war”.

The NSS was referring to World War II. While the NSS did name China “the biggest strategic challenge” — before North Korea and Russia — Kishida averred the effort to ensuring peace, safety and stability for the country itself and international society. It is almost as if Japan was trying to enhance its own national security and that of the world too.