The JFSS’s 4th Taiwan Strait Crisis Simulation from the Perspective of an Observer

Defense Adviser, Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan
Margiris Abukevičius

On Participation to the 4th Policy Simulation

 First of all, I would like to thank the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies（JFSS）for allowing my participation to the 4th policy simulation as an observer.For me, this was the second participation to the simulation as the observer, and my first impression of the 4th policy simulation was that this was a very good simulation and the scenarios are evolving every year. It was remarkable that in the scenarios this year, responses to a complex situation involving China, Russia, and North Korea were included, and the Taiwan Contingency was considered within the framework of the complex situation. 　

 The reality of international situation is also a complex situation. What is happening in the Middle East and in Ukraine are interrelated. Each phenomenon seems not directly connected and there are geographical distances,however because of the interests to collaborate,things are becoming interdependent.This is the reason why real scenarios tend to be complex situations. Even if as an observer, watching and listening the discussions enables us to deeply understand the security environment and security policies of Japan.

 
Differences in Perceptions toward “National Defense” between Japan and Lithuania Importance of“ Deterrence” and“ Use of Force”

 Regarding the differences in perceptions toward “National Defense” between Japan and Lithuania, I would like to focus on the “Similarities” rather than the “Differences”. We, Lithuania,and Japan are living under very similar security environments. Neighbors of the both nations are challenging the status quo and the rules-based order. A key for maintaining security and safety of the both regions, East Asia and Northern Europe, is “deterrence”.