The time is right for ASEAN and Japan to forge a new partnership based on security cooperation, sustainable economic development and closer mutual understanding.
ASEAN and Japan this year celebrate the 50th anniversary of their official partnership. Both sides have both changed dramatically over that time. So, too, has their relationship as China rises, Japan’s projection as a major power shrinks, and South-East Asian economies expand and modernise.
Navigating these power dynamics is complex, and neither Japan nor ASEAN countries can simply choose one side or the other. For ASEAN countries, the United States remains important as a trading partner as well as its largest source of investment. Some ASEAN countries cooperate closely with the United States in security and defence. The Philippines and Singapore lease bases to the US military and — with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam — participate in annual South-east Asia Cooperation and Training exercises led by the US navy.
They need to ensure their diplomatic autonomy and maintain their voice to protect against the whims of great power rivalries.The first is a commitment to a free, open, rules-based and fair regional order by enhancing defence and security cooperation, particularly maritime cooperation under the ASEAN “Outlook on Indo-Pacific” and Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.
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