Read an excerpt from an informational document. To some Japanese, the most important national security objective was the unselfish one – to establish a special relationship with China, strengthening the region to allow it to turn back the tide of western imperialism.

To others, the selfish objective had to take priority. No matter the cost, Japan’s own security and economic survival had to be considered ahead of Asian values. Unless Japan became more powerful, there was no way to save East Asia from the west. Japan could only be made powerful through the economic exploitation of its neighbors.

Which detail best supports the thesis that Japan benefited from imperialism?

“selfish objective had to take priority”
“turn back the tide of western imperialism”
“considered ahead of Asian values”
“economic exploitation of its neighbors”