At a special summit in Tokyo on 17 December 2023, the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted a common vision emphasizing the rule of law to counter growing tensions with China in the regional seas. Relations between Japan and ASEAN were initially based on Japan’s assistance to emerging economies. In recent years, due to rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, relations have focused more on security. Japan’s post-World War II pacifist military-security structure has contributed to the development of friendly relations. [1]
In a joint statement, the leaders called for strengthening their “mutually beneficial” partnership, working together for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting the prosperity of the region, and increasing human exchange among the younger generations. In addition, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a joint press conference with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, this year’s ASEAN chair, that they reaffirmed their vision to “promote a rules-based Asia-Pacific region that embraces the core principles of ASEAN’s unity and centrality, inclusiveness and transparency”.[2]
The leaders addressed “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity”, emphasizing “the settlement of differences or disputes through peaceful means and the renunciation of threats or use of force”. The leaders adopted an implementation plan that includes the implementation of 130 projects. Kishida stated the following:[3]
“As divisions and confrontations deepen and the world faces compounding crises, Japan will tackle these issues together with ASEAN, which is the key to a ‘free and open Asia-Pacific’. Based on our mutual trust, we will tackle new issues and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region, striving to create a beneficial world where people’s dignity is respected.”
Japan has adopted a new security strategy over the past year, building its military capacity and expanding partnerships to be better prepared for regional tensions. On the sidelines of the summit, Kishida held a series of bilateral meetings in which he sought to strengthen his country’s bilateral security ties with ASEAN countries.
During this summit, Malaysia signed a 400 million yen ($2.8 million) agreement with Japan to strengthen its maritime security capacity. This is a new Japanese official security assistance program specifically created to help strengthen the law enforcement and security capabilities of friendly countries’ military forces. [4] The assistance includes the provision of rescue boats and other equipment to help improve the military capacity of Malaysia, which occupies a critical position on the region’s sea lanes linking the Indian Ocean and East Asia and plays a vital role in warning and surveillance operations for the entire region.
On December 16, 2023, Japan also signed an agreement offering a grant of 9.05 billion yen ($63.7 million) to finance Indonesia’s plan to enhance its maritime security capabilities. The agreement includes a large-scale maritime patrol boat built by Japan. In November, Japan agreed to provide coastal surveillance radars to the Philippine Navy, and the sides also agreed to start negotiations on a Mutual Access Agreement aimed at facilitating the entry of military forces into each other’s territory. [5]
Also in December 2023, Japan and Vietnam decided to upgrade the status of their bilateral relations to the highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership. In this framework, they will discuss the details of a possible agreement to expand their defense cooperation. However, ASEAN countries are not aligned with Japan in their attitude towards China. Many of them are hesitant to stand up to China, with which they have strong ties. Japanese officials say they take this into account and do not try to force them to choose sides. Japan also hopes to advance energy cooperation with ASEAN leaders at the “Asia Zero Emissions Community” (AZEC) summit on December 18, 2023. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also present at this summit. [6]
The shared vision adopted by Japan and ASEAN leaders at this summit emphasizes the importance of security and economic cooperation in the region. This reflects the evolution of relations between the parties. Whereas in the past Japan’s engagement focused on economic assistance, it is now more focused on security and regional stability.
The common vision adopted at the summit reflects security concerns in the region in the face of rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Japan’s efforts to increase its military capacity and strengthen regional cooperation are a case in point. Particularly noteworthy are Japan’s military assistance programs to Southeast Asian countries and its efforts to enhance maritime security.
All these show that Japan is pursuing a balanced policy in the Asia-Pacific. On the other hand, the fact that Japan did not directly target China can be interpreted as an effort to maintain diplomatic balance due to its strong economic ties with other ASEAN countries in the region. The economic cooperation emphasized at the summit focuses on sustainable development goals among ASEAN countries. Japan’s commitment to invest in projects in the region and support efforts to address climate change represents a combination of economic cooperation and regional stability.
The joint vision resolution emphasizes the importance of rules-based order and multilateral cooperation in the region. The principles of peaceful settlement and avoidance of the use of force in agreements with ASEAN countries support this order.
In conclusion, this summit between Japan and ASEAN leaders is the result of an approach that adapts to changes in regional dynamics and comes together around a common vision. Issues such as security, economy and sustainability can provide an important foundation for future cooperation and regional stability.
[1] “Japan and ASEAN Bolster Ties at Summit Focused on Security, Economy Amid China Tensions”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-asean-summit-maritime-security-china-8ff28376dc10f9a5f95b93c4c7c7c7dc, (Date Accesion: 17.12.2023).
[2] “Japan and ASEAN Bolster Ties at Summit Focused on Security, Economy Amid China Tensions”, The Hill, https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-top-headlines/ap-japan-and-asean-bolster-ties-at-summit-focused-on-security-economy-amid-china-tensions/, (Date Accesion: 17.12.2023).
[3] “Japan and ASEAN Bolster Ties at Summit Focused on Security, Economy Amid China Tensions”, WTOP News, https://wtop.com/world/2023/12/japan-and-asean-bolster-ties-at-summit-focused-on-security-amid-china-tensions/, (Date Accesion: 17.12.2023).
[4] “Japan and ASEAN Bolster Ties at Summit Focused on Security, Economy Amid China Tensions”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/japan-asean-summit-maritime-security-china-8ff28376dc10f9a5f95b93c4c7c7c7dc, (Date Accesion: 17.12.2023).
[5] Ibıd.
[6] Ibıd.
