rity field with allies and partners, including the ROK and Japan, calling cyber-threats serious threats to national security. Although there may be changes in the U.S. foreign policy and military strategy under the new Trump administration, set to take office in January 2017, the importance of Asia, as part of the country’s global strategy, including the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the U.S.-Japan Alliance, is expected to remain undiminished. | Japan | In July 2014, under the mantra of ‘proactive pacifism,’ Japan changed its constitutional interpretation of the use of the right to collective self-defense and is expanding the role of the Self-Defense Forces. By revising the ‘Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation’ in April 2015 and amending national security laws and regulations in September of the same year, Japan created a legal basis to be able to use force by activating the right to collective self-defense even when it is determined that there is a threat to the existence of Japan even if there is no direct attack on Japan. When a situation is deemed to importantly affect Japan, it is now possible for Japan to provide rear-area support such as fueling aircraft preparing to take off, without geographical limitations, and supplying ammunition to not only U.S. forces but forces of any other nation. The range of activities permitted to the Self-Defense Forces has been extended to include rescue operations for Japanese nationals residing overseas, protection of U.S. troops and other foreign troops in action with the JSDF, and escort missions in the context of peacekeeping operations (PKO). Under the new concept of a ‘Dynamic Joint Defense Force’ adopted in the 2013 by ‘Defense Program Outline’ and ‘Mid-term Defense Program,’ Japan is expanding the fighting capabilities of the ground, air and maritime Self-Defense Forces. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) deployed a coast observation unit near the Senkaku/Diaoyudao Islands for the surveillance of this area and is currently preparing to create an amphibious rapid deployment brigade to carry out amphibious operations. A centralized ground command18) is set to be established for the rapid and flexible deployment of divisions and brigades. To swiftly respond to new developments in its territorial islands, some of the divisions and brigades are scheduled to be converted to mobile divisions and brigades. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is planning to expand its fleets of destroyers including Izumo-class helicopter destroyers and submarines by 2023. Meanwhile, to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities against ballistic missiles, the number of AEGIS destroyers will be increased from the current six to eight. 17) Cybersecurity National action Plan 18) an operation command unit equivalent to the rOK’s Ground Operation Command. Section 2 Security environment of Northeast asia 17 Chapter 1 The CNAP,17) unveiled in February 2016, stresses the need for cooperation in the cybersecu-