6 Regional and Inter-regional Cooperation

The Asia-Pacific region is one of the world's growth centers and the realization of a peaceful and prosperous region is one of the priority issues in Japan's diplomacy. From this perspective, Japan places a high priority on working with its neighbors to create a rules based peaceful and stable regional community based on international law and a free, open and prosperous regional economy through various regional cooperative frameworks, including Japan-ASEAN, Japan-Mekong cooperation, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), while maintaining the Japan-U.S. Alliance as the cornerstone of its foreign policy.

(1) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

At the ASEAN-related Summit Meeting held in November 2015 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), it was declared that the three councils of the “ASEAN Political-Security Community Council,” the “ASEAN Economics Community Council,” and the “ASEAN Socio-Cultural, Community Council” (Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Establishment of ASEAN Community) would be established by the end of 2015. In addition, “ASEAN2025: Forging Ahead Together” was adopted as a guiding policy for the ASEAN Community for the ten years from 2016 to 2025. In 2017, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN, the commitment to developing the ASEAN Community was reconfirmed.

ASEAN also plays an important role as a center of regional cooperation in East Asia. A multi-layered regional cooperation centered on ASEAN such as ASEAN+3, EAS and ARF is operating and cooperative relationships in a wide range of areas including politics, security, and the economy is established. On the economic front, ASEAN has concluded the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), as well as other economic partnership agreements (EPAs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries including Japan, China, the ROK, and India, creating an ASEAN centered network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). With regard to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the negotiations started in 2013, and are being advanced with the aim to conclude a high-quality agreement in such fields as trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property, and e-commerce.

Since ASEAN is situated in a geopolitically important location and constitutes important sea lanes and its stability and prosperity directly affects those of not only the East Asian region but also the international community, it is important for the entire international community that ASEAN advances its integration in accordance with values such as the rule of law.

In the South China Sea, China has been further conducting unilateral actions that change the status quo and increase tensions such as the large-scale and rapid building of outposts for military use, and attempts to create a fait accompli. Many countries including Japan have expressed concern over such actions by China. Japan has so far consistently shown support for the rule of law, and underscored the importance of striving for a peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law in the South China Sea. Furthermore, the Government of Japan takes note the negotiations on the South China Sea issue between China and ASEAN countries, and taken the position that eased tensions caused by such forward-looking efforts should be led to demilitarization.

Regarding the arbitration instituted by the Government of the Philippines concerning the disputes between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Arbitral Tribunal rendered the final award on July 12, 2016. Japan issued a statement by the Foreign Minister on the same day, stating that the Tribunal's award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of UNCLOS, therefore the parties to this case are required to comply with the award, and that Japan strongly expects that the award will eventually lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.

The issues surrounding the South China Sea are important matters of concern for Japan which depends most of its resources and energy on sea transport and places importance on freedom of navigation and overflight as well as securing safe sea lanes. It is necessary for the international community to cooperate towards the maintenance and development of “Open and Stable Seas” (see 1-1 (2), 2-1-2 (1) and 3-1-3 (4)).

(2) Japan-ASEAN Relations

ASEAN exerts its centrality and is the engine of various regional cooperation that gathers diverse countries within the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, realizing a more stable and prosperous ASEAN as the motive force is absolutely essential to the stability and prosperity of the region as a whole. Based on this recognition, Japan has announced that it will actively support ASEAN's efforts in accordance with “ASEAN Community Vision 2025” for further integration even after the establishment of the ASEAN Community, while steadily implementing the “Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and the “Joint Statement” that were both adopted at the 2013 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting.

Japan-ASEAN relations which were elevated to new heights by the Commemorative Summit Meeting in 2013 were further strengthened in a wide range of areas including the integration of ASEAN, ensuring sustainable economic growth, improving people's lives, and ensuring peace and safety in the region and the international community through meetings such as the Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in August (Manila, the Philippines) and the 20th Japan–ASEAN Summit Meeting (Manila, the Philippines) in November 2017. At this same Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Abe congratulated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN, and expressed his expectations for Japan and ASEAN to jointly lead the world in advancing the free and open international order based on the rule of law over the next 50 years.

On the security front, the ASEAN countries supported and appreciated Japan's contribution to the region and the international community under the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” and mentioned Japan's cooperation in countering terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, as well as cooperation in maritime security. With respect to the South China Sea issue, which may undermine peace, safety, and stability in the region, they shared recognition of the importance of maintaining and promoting the freedom of navigation and over-flights, finding peaceful resolutions to disputes in accordance with international law including UNCLOS, self-restraint in all activities which may increase tensions, and non-militarization. Furthermore, regarding North Korea, the ASEAN Member States expressed their grave concern for missile development by North Korea and mentioned the importance of complying with the UNSC resolutions, while sharing Japan's concerns on matters including the abductions issue.

On the economic front, through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), Japan will continue to support the deepening of ASEAN integration, including support for enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and narrowing the economic disparities within the region. At the 20th Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting held in November (Manila, the Philippines), in regard to Japan's policy on cooperating with ASEAN in the future, Japan expressed its intention to cooperate in realizing a more integrated community by bolstering initiatives under the “four pillars of partnerships” announced at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in 2013 and utilizing various tools including the ADB. In regard to being “Partners for Peace and Stability,” Japan announced support to implement cooperation to strengthen and build maritime law enforcement capabilities in order to advance the free and open international order based on the rule of law, and the reconstruction of Marawi City, etc. As for being “Partners for Prosperity,” Japan expressed its intention to bring the TPP Agreement into force expeditiously, pursue a comprehensive, balanced, high quality RCEP, promote high-quality investment in infrastructure, etc. Moreover, regarding being “Partners for Quality of Life,” Japan emphasized its intention to realize a healthy longevity society through the “Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative,” and cooperate in building a recycling society through the “Japan-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Initiative.” Furthermore, regarding being “Heart-to-Heart Partners,” Japan expressed its will to promote exchanges through JENESYS, and cultural exchanges through the “WA Project,” as well as provide support for, e.g., sports. In response to this, numerous countries on the ASEAN side praised Japan's cooperation so far, in addition to expressing a desire to further strengthen their partnerships with Japan. They also expressed high appraisal for various Japanese initiatives in building high-quality infrastructure, fostering human resources, etc.

In other areas, Japan has been promoting the “Japan-ASEAN Health Initiative,” to support human resources development with the aim to promote health, prevent illness, and improve the standard of medical care. Japan has also been promoting Japan-ASEAN Disaster Management Cooperation through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA CENTRE).

(3) Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting (Participating Countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and Japan)

The Mekong region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam), situated in a strategic location for land and sea transport, is a promising partner for further growth, which has been achieving strong economic growth. Peace and prosperity in the Mekong region are extremely important to Asia as a whole, including Japan, for it will contribute to narrowing economic disparity and promoting regional integration within ASEAN. The building of hardware infrastructure has progressed in recent years in the Mekong region, and there has been a steady increase in the number of Japanese companies expanding businesses in the region, as well as direct investment from Japan, which testifies to great expectations for the further stimulation of economic activities in the future.

At the 9th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting held in November 2017 in Manila, the Philippines, the Mekong countries expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Japan for the solid progress in shaping cooperation under the “New Tokyo Strategy 2015” adopted at the 7th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting held in July 2015 in Tokyo, where it was announced that 750 billion yen would be provided as ODA, of which two-thirds have been provided. Japan will continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of the Mekong region as a trusted partner in the region.

(4) East Asia Summit (EAS) (participating countries: ten ASEAN countries and Japan, China, ROK, Australia, New Zealand, India, U.S., and Russia)

Launched in 2005, the EAS is a significant leaders' level regional forum, which aims to facilitate candid dialogue among leaders on issues of importance to the region and the international community, and to promote leaders-led cooperation in politics, security and economy. Moreover, many democratic nations take part in the EAS, and it is expected that the EAS will contribute to the sharing of fundamental values in the region, including democracy and the rule of law, as well as to the strengthening of international rules and norms concerning trade and investment.

A 7th EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The 7th EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in August (Manila, the Philippines), was attended by Foreign Minister Kono from Japan, where EAS cooperation was reviewed and discussions were held on the future direction of the EAS as well as regional and international issues including North Korea and the South China Sea. Foreign Minister Kono expressed Japan's views on North Korea and the South China Sea. Moreover, he explained Japan's initiatives and ideas in regard to countermeasures against terrorism and violent extremism, strengthening the EAS, maritime cooperation and the sustainable economic development of East Asia.

Regarding the North Korea issue, Foreign Minister Kono stated that two ICBM-class missile launches by North Korea showed that North Korea is a top priority of the international agenda and that it is a significant and real threat to the region and the international community. Against this backdrop, Foreign Minister Kono insisted that the level of response from EAS participating countries needed to be taken up to the next level, and that effective pressure on North Korea must be further enhanced. At the same time, he called for the vigorous and full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Furthermore, he stressed that the EAS should send a strong message concerning human rights and humanitarian situations in North Korea, especially the abductions issue.

Foreign Minister Kono expressed serious concern over the continued rapid and large-scale building of outposts in the South China Sea. He emphasized that Japan strongly opposes any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, including those through threat or use of force. He expressed his view that it is significant for the international community to collaborate with each other to ensure peace and stability by a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.

B The 12th EAS

At the 12th EAS held in November (Manila, the Philippines), leaders reviewed cooperation within the EAS, and discussed its future direction as well as regional and international issues. Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to (1) seek to establish fundamental values such as freedom of navigation and the rule of law, (2) strengthen connectivity through the development of “high quality infrastructure” and (3) engage in cooperation for peace and stability such as support for capacity building in maritime law enforcement and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy,” and shared the importance of promoting these efforts with participating countries.

In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will implement its assistance worth 15 billion yen over two years to improve security in the southern part of the Philippines and Sulu-Celebes Seas in order to realize “Asia resilient to terrorism.” Prime Minister Abe also announced that with the aim of further promoting the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” Japan would expand human resource development, provision of supplies and equipment, and intellectual contribution in three areas: maritime safety; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR); and peacekeeping operations (PKO).

East Asia Summit (EAS) (November 14, Manila, the Philippines; Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

Regarding the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that North Korea has persistently continued its nuclear and missile programs, conducting nuclear tests and two ballistic missile launches that flew over Japan, and emphasized that there could be no peace in the region without the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Abe also stressed that it was necessary for the international community to maximize pressure on North Korea and that it was important for the EAS to issue a clear message on strengthening pressure on North Korea. He further advocated that the resolution of the issue of the abductions by North Korea was the most important issue for his administration and increasing pressure on the country was important for its early resolution.

Regarding the issue of South China Sea, Prime Minister Abe stressed that Japan has always supported ASEAN centrality and wholeheartedly supported the basic principles laid out in the Joint Communiqué of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting issued in August, and all the countries concerned should strictly adhere to the “three principles of the rule of law on the seas” which he has consistently advocated for and solve conflicts peacefully in accordance with international law and not by force. Furthermore, he expressed Japan's continuing concerns over the situation in the South China Sea. In addition, he welcomed the recent development of forward-looking efforts by China and ASEAN including dialogues to finalize the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, and emphasized that easing tensions through such efforts should lead to “demilitarization.”

Regarding the situation in Rakhine of Myanmar, Prime Minister Abe advocated that restoring public safety while taking the rule of law and human rights into consideration, expanding humanitarian access, and progress in consultations among the parties concerned towards the return and resettlement of the displaced people were necessary. He also announced that Japan would be encouraging the Myanmar Government by implementing humanitarian assistance through the AHA and other means.

(5) ASEAN+3

The Asian financial crisis in 1997 prompted the launch of ASEAN+3, in the form of adding the three countries of Japan, China, and the ROK to ASEAN. ASEAN+3 has been developed focusing on areas such as finance and food security. It currently covers cooperation in 24 fields, including finance, agriculture and food, education, culture, tourism, public health, energy, and the environment. The year 2017 marked the 20th anniversary of the cooperation and “ASEAN+3 Cooperation Work Plan (2018-2022)” was adopted in August. ASEAN+3 member states have been making further progress in cooperation in various fields based on the adoption of the work plan.

In the financial area, the Agreement Establishing ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) entered into force in February 2016, and in the same month, AMRO opened in Singapore.

At the 18th ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in August (Manila, the Philippines), Foreign Minister Kono reviewed ASEAN+3 cooperation and explained its future direction centered on the initiatives of Japan. In addition, he explained Japan's concerns over the abductions issue, and nuclear and missile development by North Korea, the threat of terrorism in Asia, as well as regional and international affairs including Japan-China-ROK trilateral cooperation.

At the 20th ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting held in November (Manila, the Philippines), Prime Minister Abe praised the strengthening of practical cooperation among the ASEAN+3 nations as the result of the “Manila Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of ASEAN+3 Cooperation” and the “ASEAN+3 Leaders' Statement on Food Security Cooperation” adopted in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN+3. He also made statements about the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy,” the “Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure Initiative,” the early conclusion of RCEP negotiations, and the strengthening regional energy security for the sustainable development. Furthermore, in regard to enhancing people-to-people connectivity, Prime Minister Abe declared that he would engage in the development of high-level human resources and promote their circulation between Japan and ASEAN under the “Innovative Asia Project” launched in 2017. He also declared that Japan would take a leading role in ASEAN+3 cooperation in higher education through Working Group on Mobility of Higher Education and Ensuring Quality Assurance of Higher Education among ASEAN+3 Countries and other efforts. He also stated collaboration would be promoted between ASEAN City of Culture and East Asiana Cultural Cities based on the “Kyoto Declaration 2017.”

ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting (August 6, Manila, the Philippines)

Regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stressed the need to maximize pressure on North Korea, while stating his intention for Japan-China-ROK and ASEAN coordination to ensure the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions. In response, many countries expressed concerns regarding developments such as its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches in North Korea.

(6) Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Cooperation

Trilateral cooperation among Japan, China, and the ROK continues to be vital on the ground that it promotes exchange and mutual understanding among the three countries that enjoy geographical proximity and share deep historical ties. Furthermore, as economies that play a major role in the world economy and serve as the motive force driving the prosperity of the East Asian region, trilateral cooperation among Japan, China, and the ROK is one of the areas of cooperation which has huge latent potential in efforts to tackle various issues in the international community.

In August 2016, the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held (Tokyo), and Foreign Minister Kishida chaired the meeting. The Foreign Ministers from the three countries discussed cooperation in a wide range of fields and regions, such as disaster management, the environment, youth exchanges, counter-terrorism, the Middle East and Africa, and agreed to further strengthen cooperation. Moreover, there were frank exchanges of opinions on regional issues such as the situation in Northeast Asia including North Korea and cooperation in East Asia. The Trilateral Summit Meeting was not held in 2017 due to scheduling difficulty. However, Japan continues to make its efforts to realize the Summit Meeting in Japan in 2018 under Japan's chairmanship.

(7) Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Consisting of 21 countries and regions (economies) in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC promotes regional economic integration and intra-regional cooperation among the member economies on a voluntary basis. The Asia-Pacific region is positioned as the “world's growth center,” so strengthening economic cooperation and relationships of trust in the APEC economic realm in this region is extremely important in pursuing Japan's further development.

At the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, Viet Nam in 2017, extensive discussion took place on a wide range of topics, including deepening regional economic integration, strengthening MSME's competitiveness and innovation in the digital age, promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth. Prime Minister Abe commented Japan's proactive stance for establishing “free and fair” trade rules, as well as Japan's initiatives such as the “productivity revolution,” the “human resources development revolution,” and “digital trade” to the world. (see 3-3-1 (3)).

(8) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

SAARC was officially inaugurated in 1985 with multiple objectives such as enhancing the welfare of citizens of the South Asian countries, cooperation and collaboration in economic and social development and cultural areas. As of 2016, SAARC has eight member states and nine observer countries and institutions including Japan. SAARC is working primarily on economic, social, and cultural areas, through summit meetings and meetings of the Council at the ministerial level (foreign ministers' meetings). It is rather a loose framework of regional cooperation but SAARC is regaining importance recently from the viewpoint of regional connectivity. Japan is making efforts to strengthen relations with SAARC through cooperation in a wide range of fields such as democratization and peacebuilding, infrastructure, energy, disaster risk reduction, and child welfare. As part of youth exchange between Japan and the SAARC, Japan has invited around 3,000 people to date (236 people in FY2017).