| February 21-24 | | Japanese PM Shinzo Abe visits the U.S. to seek stronger support concerning Japan's intentions with China's Diaoyu Islands. | | | July 9 | | Japan targets China as a major security threat in a defense white paper | | | August 15 | | On the 68th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, Abe sends a ceremonial gift to the Yasukuni Shrine | | | September 26 | | To justify his country's rising defense budget, Abe makes an indirect reference to China before addressing the UN General Assembly. | | | November 27 | | The Diet enacts a law to allow Abe's government to create a U.S.-style National Security Council. | | | December 13-15 | | Southeast Asian leaders respond with reluctance throughout the Japan-ASEAN Summit in Tokyo. | |
