| Since Mahan initiated the Sea Power Theory, this theory has been the focus ofgeopolitical research scholars for a long time, also has highly valued by thepolicymakers of sea power countries. As the times is progressing, sea power theory isnot just about naval supremacy and marine force, it has become a comprehensivesea power theory which includes marine environment, marine resource, marinetechnology. Japan is surrounded by sea, as a typical sea powers, its security anddevelopment depends on the sea a lot. Sea power theory germinated in Japan a longtime ago, based on it, Japanese government made the sea expansion strategy,becoming one of the most aggressive countries in modern times. After World WarTwo, Japan continued the sea power strategy, making every attempt to expand themaritime interests and develop naval forces, which intensified the disputes withChina over the Diaoyu Island and East China Sea issue. At the same time, China isrising and increasing its influence over East Asia region, which became a directchallenge to “great power†strategy of Japan. Since Abe Shinzo came into power, inorder to strengthen bilateral relations, he himself and his cabinet members visitSoutheast Asian countries frequently, making Japanese strategy—unite SoutheastAsian countries against China crystal clear. It is not only a means of balancing Chineserising influence and dominating the order of East Asia, but also a reflection of seapower theory—the sea powers should unite against the land powers. Besides thecritical geographical position, another reason why Japan pays a lot of attention to therations with Southeast countries is that they share the same instinct as sea powersstates, which draws them to be allies naturally. The action of strengthening thesecurity relations between Japan and Southeast countries affects Chinese benefits, asa result, China needs to find a way out of all this and prevent the South China Seadisputes from hurting the further development of China-ASEAN relations. |
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