Free and Open Indo-Pacific: under Japan’s Ocean Policy and the Iran-Japan Relationship

FOIP has been one of the most important pillars for Japan’s diplomacy.

It was initially declared by late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016, and its New Plan was issued in 2023. This lecture examines FOIP from the two perspectives: Japan’s ocean policy; and the Iran-Japan relationship.

First, FOIP is closely related to Japan’s Ocean Policy. Japan decided the 3^rd Basic Plan on Ocean Policy in 2018 and the 4^th Basic Plan on Ocean Policy in 2023. Their core idea is “the comprehensive maritime security,” which demonstrates a wide understanding of the maritime security along with the world tendency. They set forth the important measures to be steadily taken for the comprehensive maritime security. Among them, there are measures for the purpose of the security and safety of maritime transport. This brings to the second perspective of the lecture.

Second, as to the Iran-Japan relationship, considering that Iran is among the major oil producing countries, the secure energy supply, and the safety and security of the maritime transport of energy to Japan, are doubtlessly prominent. The drafting process of the 7^th Strategic Energy Plan of Japan is underway. It clearly recognizes that for the energy security of Japan, the secure and safe energy supply is fundamental requirement.

Facing the Red Sea situation that has seriously obstructed the freedom of navigation, a key element of the ocean transportation of the world, the right to protect uses of sea should be recognized under international law, the law of the sea.

Late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared at the 13^th Shangri-La Dialogue of 2014, the three principles for the rule of law in relation to the international maritime order: first, States shall make and clarify their claims based on international law; second, States shall not use force or coercion in pursuing their claims; and third, States shall seek to settle disputes by peaceful means. They have been firmly endorsed world-widely. In addition to these three principles, considering the recent international incidents that violently obstruct lawful uses of oceans, such as the attacks against navigation, the sabotage toward submarine cables and pipelines, and the violent prevention of the research whaling of Japan, for the purpose of the rule of law at sea, the right to protect uses of sea should be recognized.

Iran and Japan can and should further promote their friendly and cooperative relationship by being firmly based upon FOIP that is closely related to Japan’s ocean policy and its energy security.