China, USA and India in the Straits of Malacca: the significance toward Japan

China, USA and India have their own national interest in the Straits of Malacca, same like Japan. This paper will attempt to explain what is the significance of China, USA and India toward Japan in the strategic aspect. It has two objectives: namely 1) to describe the China, USA and India policies toward the Straits of Malacca; 2) to discuss the the signification of USA, India and China Presence in the Straits of Malacca toward Japan. This study will use both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected from structured interviews involving ten informants in various professional fields that are directly involved in maritime security in the Straits of Malacca, China, USA and India. Secondary data was collected from literature reviews based on scientific publications, theses, journal articles, and online material, such as newspaper articles. Primary data was also obtained from professional respondents from abroad through electronic media such as email. The findings of this study show that, to protect its national interests, Japan need to have a strategic partnership with USA and India to counter China if China tried to control the straits.