In 2007, tensions between China, Japan, North and South Korea, and even the United States threaten to ignite all-out war. The root of this crisis is Japan's creation of a branch of its military that most of its neighbors view as a threat to regional peace. However, an inside group is also contributing to this crisis, and Special Agent Sam Fisher of Third Echelon is sent to the region to defuse the crisis and find out who is behind it.