The East Asian Strategic Review 1998–1999 is the third in the series of annual reports that first appeared in 1997. The report is published by the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS), the main policy research arm and war-college-level educational institution of the Defense Agency, Japan. It is authored by research staff of NIDS from their own scholarly perspectives.

This constitutes a part of endeavors currently pursued in East Asia for building a more stable and secure environment in the region, and is designed to contribute to more active, constructive and objective discussion on issues of strategic importance for regional security.

The period covered by this publication runs from the beginning of September 1997 to the end of 1998. As to titles and names of people and organizations, usage by those concerned are followed as much as possible. Honorifics are always dispensed.

The views expressed herewith are those of the authors and do not represent policies or official positions of the Japanese government, Defense Agency and any other governmental organizations.

The original Japanese version appeared in February 1999 and is available for purchase from the Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan. It was translated into English by, and will be available for wider distribution from The Japan Times, Ltd.