addition, it is observed that China, Russia and North Korea are continuing to build the cyber capabilities of their military and other institutions15. - Meanwhile, the United States, Japan’s ally, and like-minded countries that share fundamental values have been accelerating efforts to build the capabilities of their cyber command and strengthen the ability to respond to cyberattacks16. - Under this background, countries share the importance of strengthening cooperation and collaboration with their allies and like-minded countries, and they are collaborating to address cyber incidents suspected of state involvement and conflicts over international rules in cyberspace in particular. In the Japan-US Security Consultative Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Japan-US ‘2+2’”) and Japan-US foreign ministers’ meeting held in March 2021, the importance of further strengthening this field was confirmed. - In addition, as national security has been expanding its scope to economic and technological fields in recent years to encompass economic and technological fields, we are likewise collaborating with our ally and like-minded countries to address conflicts over technological foundation and data as well. - In this context, the importance of ensuring “a free, fair and secure cyberspace” and contributing to the peace and stability of the international community and Japan’s national security has increased further. To ensure safety and stability of cyberspace, we will place a higher priority on cyber issues in diplomatic and national security agenda. At the same time, we will promote the rule of law, strengthen capabilities for defense, deterrence, and situational awareness against cyberattacks, and further enhance international cooperation and collaboration. 4. 3. 1 Ensuring “a free, fair and secure cyberspace” - To ensure “a free, fair and secure cyberspace” on a global scale, we will communicate Japan’s basic principles in the international arena and play active roles to advance the rule of law in cyberspace. (1) Promoting the rule of law in cyberspace (formulating rules that contribute to Japan’s national security) - To ensure “a free, fair and secure cyberspace” on a global scale, we will continue to deliver the concept of “a free, fair and secure cyberspace” in the international arena and play active roles to promote the rule of law in cyberspace. In particular, cyberattacks targeting medical institutions are observed in many countries under the COVID-19 pandemic, so it has become even more important to advance the rule of law in cyberspace to deter such attacks and protect critical infrastructure. 15 16 Defense of Japan 2020 Defense of Japan 2020 27