Japan-ASEAN Relations

As a standard-bearer of free trade, Japan will promote free and fair rules throughout the world through World Trade Organization (WTO) reform and other measures. From this perspective, the TPP-11 Agreement entering into force by the end of the year is an important achievement. Japan will aim to expand TPP-11, achieve swift conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, and realize the early signing of the Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement.

Japan and Singapore will co-host the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Tokyo High-level Meeting next year. Japan will cooperate with ASEAN to realize ASCN by partnering with Society 5.0, the ASEAN-Japan Innovation Network, and the Japan-ASEAN STI for SDGs Bridging Initiative among others.

Japan will utilize the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and collaborate with ASEAN in the area of disaster management, including cooperation through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

Japan will expand cooperation with ASEAN in combating marine plastic debris, in addition to addressing climate change based on the Japan-ASEAN Environment Cooperation Initiative.<./p>

Japan will work to bring about a balanced healthcare system under the Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

Japan will continue to deepen exchanges in the areas of education, science and technology, culture, and sports through the “WA Project” and other initiatives, building momentum towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Japan will continue to advance necessary reforms of the ASEAN-Japan Centre.

Japan will promote practical defense cooperation under the Vientiane Vision.
Following the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) in Bangkok in September this year, Japan will continue to collaborate with ASEAN in the area of cybersecurity.

Japan will continue to work closely with ASEAN member states to maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific.

It is necessary to fully implement United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions in order to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea as stipulated in UNSC resolutions.
Japan will wish to cooperate for responding to ship-to-ship transfers prohibited by the UNSC resolutions. Japan hopes to have ASEAN’s understanding and cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue.

Japan and ASEAN have enjoyed peace and prosperity through trade in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a lifeline for both sides and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is vital.
Japan fully supports the fundamental principles that ASEAN has upheld to ensure freedom of navigation and expresses its appreciation for ASEAN’s efforts, including those on the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations. Japan hopes that these principles will be reflected in the COC.
Japan shares deep concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea with ASEAN.
Japan will support ASEAN’s initiatives that seek to uphold non-militarization of the area and maintain a peaceful and open South China Sea.

In response, ASEAN made congratulatory remarks regarding the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. In addition, many countries commended Japan’s cooperation in various areas including disaster management and strengthening connectivity, and expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. Issues on North Korea and the South China Sea were also raised.

Finally, as the Chair of ASEAN and with the approval of all participating countries, Singapore declared the issuance of the Joint Statement of the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit to Commemorate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and concluded the meeting.