Thursday, January 30, 2025
spot_img

Japan, ASEAN bolster ties amid tensions with China

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

Tokyo, Dec 17: Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at a special summit on Sunday marking their 50th anniversary of friendship, adopted a joint vision that emphasises security and economic cooperation while respecting the rule of law amid growing tensions with China in regional seas.
Ties between Japan and ASEAN used to be largely based on Japanese assistance to the developing economies, in part due to lingering bitterness over Japan’s wartime actions. But in recent years the ties have focused more on security amid China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, while Japan’s postwar pacifist stance and trust-building efforts have fostered friendlier relations.
The leaders, in a joint statement, called for strengthening their “mutually beneficial” partnership and working together for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. They also called to pursue greater prosperity for the region and to promote people exchanges among the younger generations.
The leaders adopted an implementation plan for 130 projects. Japan called to step up cooperation in security and defense, while reinforcing support for efforts in climate change and investment, including in the region’s automotive industry, he said.
“As divisions and confrontations deepen and the world faces compounded crises, Japan will tackle the issues together with ASEAN, which is the linchpin of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Kishida said.
Japan adopted a new security strategy last year and has been rapidly building up its military and expanding its military partnerships to better counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region. (AP)

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

Rashford left out again, Lindelof back from injury for Man Utd

UEFA Europa League Manchester, Jan 29: Manchester United have named a 21-man squad to travel to Romania, for Thursday...

City’s UCL reign ends

Manchester City, PSG face early exit from Champions League for the first time in more than a decade Geneva,...

Virat’s Return Lifts Delhi for Ranji trophy

New Delhi, Jan 29: Virat Kohli’s magnetic presence has not only lifted the profile of Ranji Trophy but...

Karnataka get KL Rahul boost

Bengaluru, Jan 29: Locked in a three-way tussle for a quarterfinal berth, Karnataka will have KL Rahul’s experience...