TOKYO – Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed Sunday to deepen relations in the security and economic fields with the geopolitical environment changing amid China’s growing clout, at a summit to commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation.
In a “joint vision statement” issued after the gathering in Tokyo, the leaders pledged to step up cooperation on maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.
Among other new efforts to further boost the economy in the fast-growing region is supporting digital startups, as well as accelerating public and private investment to achieve decarbonization, the statement showed.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was quoted by his
government as saying Japan will take measures to mobilize more than $35 billion in public and private funds over the next five years to facilitate investment in ASEAN, while also fostering the exchange of young business leaders with the region.
The leaders also announced the launch of a new initiative for the next-generation car industry aimed at mapping out strategies to enable ASEAN to continue being a major hub of auto production and exports.
“Based on strong mutual trust, Japan and ASEAN will tackle new challenges,” Kishida said at a press conference after the summit ended, adding he is glad that they will take a “new step toward the next 50 years.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who served as co-chair, also attended the press event, saying Japan and the bloc will maintain peace and stability in the region while adhering to international law.
The meeting came as Tokyo has been bolstering its ties with developing and emerging countries collectively called the “Global South,” including the 10 ASEAN members, to capitalize on their growth and try to counter Beijing’s increasing influence.
Japan regards its relations with ASEAN as strategically important, with the bloc facing the South China Sea, home to one of the world’s busiest maritime sea lanes. Some ASEAN members have territorial claims there that overlap with China’s. Source: Kyodo News
