Strengthening Japan’s Ties with ASEAN
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to Malaysia and Indonesia underscores his commitment to strengthening Japan’s relationship with key ASEAN nations. In Malaysia, he will meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to confirm cooperation in security, human resource development, and energy policy, while also exploring expanded collaboration in maritime security.
In Indonesia, discussions will focus on enhancing maritime security through the provision of high-speed patrol vessels under the "Official Security Assistance (OSA)" framework and planning the Japan-Indonesia ministerial meeting in 2025.
These visits aim to bolster Japan’s presence in Southeast Asia amid the growing influence of China, which has deepened its economic ties with ASEAN nations, and in the context of Indonesia’s recent BRICS membership.
Additionally, these efforts serve as groundwork for Ishiba’s upcoming visit to the United States, where he plans to engage with President-elect Trump in bilateral talks to strengthen Southeast Asia policies and affirm Japan’s strategic commitment to the region.
Source: The Nikkei Shinbun, January 9, 2025
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA083DY0Y5A100C2000000/?n_cid=NMAIL006_20250109_A
Translated by AI