"海洋国家"理念下的日本对太平洋岛国外交OACHSSCD

The concept of a"maritime nation",as a strategic orientation and guiding ideology at the national level,provides a specific policy framework for how to utilize the ocean to achieve national development strategic goals.Guided by this concept,Japan views the Pacific island countries as its last"territory",gradually transforming them from geographically"peripheral"areas into"important zones"for realizing its"maritime nation"vision.Japan aims to make the Pacific island countries a regional foothold and strategic fulcrum for its"maritime nation"ambition.The underlying logic of Japan's Pacific island diplomacy is as follows:using the shaping of a shared"maritime nation"identity as a starting point,Japan not only positions itself as a"maritime nation"but also strives to grant Pacific island countries the same status.It uses this as a link to build the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting(PALM)mechanism,promote cooperation for maritime security and seabed resource development,and thereby strengthen its involvement in the Pacific island region while deepening the Pacific island countries'collective identity with Japan as a fellow"maritime nation".Ultimately,Japan aims to use the Pacific island countries as a fulcrum to expand its influence and build a"maritime nation community".