Japan and ASEAN are strengthening their ties at a summit focused on security and economics amid tensions in China

Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have adopted a shared vision for a special summit to mark the 50th anniversary of their friendship with a greater focus on security and economic cooperation amid growing tensions with China.

From

MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press

December 16, 2023, 8:10 p.m. ET

• 4 minutes read

TOKYO – Leaders of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations adopted a shared vision on Sunday at a special summit marking the 50th anniversary of their friendship that emphasizes security and economic cooperation while respecting the rule of law amid growing tensions with China in the regional seas.

Relations between Japan and ASEAN were once based largely on Japanese aid to developing countries, partly due to ongoing bitterness over Japan's war actions. In recent years, however, relations have focused more on security amid China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, while Japan's pacifist stance and postwar confidence-building efforts have fostered friendlier ties.

In a joint statement, the leaders called for strengthening their “mutually beneficial” partnership and working together for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They also called for pursuing greater prosperity for the region and promoting exchanges between younger generations, Kishida said at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, this year's ASEAN chair.

“We reaffirm the shared view of promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open (and) embraces key principles such as ASEAN unity and centrality, inclusiveness (and) transparency,” the joint statement said.

The leaders emphasized “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful means and the avoidance of the threat or use of force,” but without mentioning China.

The heads of state and government approved an implementation plan for 130 projects. Japan called for strengthening security and defense cooperation while increasing support for efforts on climate change and investment, including in the region's automotive industry, he said.

“As divisions and confrontations deepen and the world faces ever-deepening crises, Japan will address the issues together with ASEAN, which is the linchpin of a 'free and open Indo-Pacific,'” Kishida said. “Based on our mutual trust, we will tackle new problems and contribute to peace and prosperity in the region, creating a world in which people can benefit and their dignity is respected.”

Japan adopted a new security strategy last year, rapidly building up its military and expanding its military partnerships to better deal with China's growing assertiveness in the region.

On Saturday, on the sidelines of the December 16-18 summit, Kishida held a series of bilateral talks as Japan seeks to strengthen bilateral security ties with ASEAN countries.

Kishida and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim signed a 400 million yen ($2.8 million) deal to strengthen Malaysia's maritime security capability. This is a new official Japanese security assistance program specifically for militaries of friendly nations to strengthen their law enforcement and security capabilities.

The assistance includes the provision of lifeboats and other equipment to improve Malaysia's military capabilities, which lies at a crucial point on the sea routes between the Indian Ocean and East Asia and plays an important role in warning and surveillance operations for the entire region.

Separately, Kishida signed a deal with Widodo on Saturday that offered a grant of up to 9.05 billion yen ($63.7 million) to finance Indonesia's plan to improve maritime security capabilities and included a Japanese-built large maritime patrol boat .

In November, Japan announced it would provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippine Navy, and the two sides also agreed to begin talks on a key defense pact called the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which would allow reciprocal access of their troops to the territory for the purpose of joint military exercises to make it easier for the other side.

Later this month, Japan and Vietnam agreed to upgrade the status of their relationship to a high-level comprehensive strategic partnership under which they will discuss details of a possible deal to expand their defense cooperation.

But ASEAN countries are out of step in their approach to China, with which many have close ties and are reluctant to choose sides. Japanese officials say they are aware of the situation and are not trying to make them choose a side.

Japan also hopes to advance energy cooperation with ASEAN leaders at an Asian Zero Emission Community Initiative summit scheduled for Monday, which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to attend online.