Chapter 2
Japan's Foreign Policy that Takes a Panoramic Perspective of the World Map
7 Regional and Inter-regional Cooperation
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the world's growth centers and realizing 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 achieve a rules-based “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” based on international law through various regional cooperative frameworks, including Japan-ASEAN, Japan-Mekong cooperation, ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and the ROK), East Asia Summit (EAS), Japan-China-ROK trilateral cooperation 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. Also, “ASEAN2025: Forging Ahead Together” was adopted as a guiding policy for the ASEAN Community for the ten years from 2016 to 2025. In East Asia where ASEAN plays an important role as a center of regional cooperation, a multi-layered regional cooperation such as ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and the ROK), East Asia Summit（EAS and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is operating with ASEAN at its center, and cooperative relationships in a wide range of areas including politics, security and the economy are built. On the economic front, ASEAN has concluded the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), as well as other EPAs and FTAs with various countries including Japan, China, the ROK and India, which has expanded the ASEAN-centered free trade zone. With regard to 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 faces important sea lanes for Japan 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, including Japan, that ASEAN advances its integration in accordance with values such as the rule of law.
(2) Issue of the South China Sea
The issue with regard to the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community. The issue is also an important matter 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 toward the maintenance and development of open and stable seas.
In the arbitration proceedings instituted by the Government of the Philippines as to the disputes between the Philippines and China regarding 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, “As the Tribunal's award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of UNCLOS, the parties to this case are required to comply with the award. Japan strongly expects that the parties' compliance with this award will eventually lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.”
In 2018, China continued to conduct unilateral actions to change the status quo that increase tensions such as large-scale and rapid building of outposts as well as their use for military purposes, and attempts to make the results of these actions fait accompli. The international community including Japan has expressed serious concern over such actions. Until now, Japan has consistently supported the full enforcement of the rule of law in the South China Sea, and emphasized the importance for all the concerned parties related to the South China Sea to work toward peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, including UNCLOS. Furthermore, Japan has pointed out that China's claims to “historical rights” over the South China Sea do not have a clear basis under international law, and that China's claims to its baseline in the South China Sea is inconsistent with UNCLOS. In 2018, negotiations commenced on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN. Japan has stressed the importance of having such initiatives lead to demilitarization of the area and to realization of a peaceful and open South China Sea.
(3) Japan-ASEAN Relations
ASEAN exerts its centrality and is the engine of various regional cooperation. Therefore, realizing a more stable and prosperous ASEAN 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 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting held in Tokyo in 2013.
In 2018, Japan and ASEAN confirmed that they would further strengthen their cooperative relationship in a wide range of areas, including advancing the integration of ASEAN, ensuring sustainable economic growth, improving people's lives and ensuring peace and security in the region and the international community, through meetings such as the Japan-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in August in Singapore, which held the ASEAN chairmanship, and the 21st Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting in November, which marked the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. At the Summit Meeting in November, Prime Minister Abe congratulated the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Prime Minister Abe referred to the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival held in Tokyo in October 2018 and the upcoming “ASEAN-Japan Day” in 2019, and expressed his hope that such events would serve as an opportunity to further deepen mutual understanding between Japan and ASEAN. At the Summit Meeting, in addition to the usual Chairman's Statement, the Joint Statement of the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit to Commemorate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation was issued with the consensus of all the participating countries. Taking note with satisfaction the excellent development of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation over the past 45 years, Japan and ASEAN Member States expressed their commitment to strengthening Japan-ASEAN cooperation in the four areas of partnership, namely “Partners for Peace and Stability,” “Partners for Prosperity,” “Partners for Quality of Life,” and “Heart-to-Heart Partners,” as stated in the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in 2013.
On the security front, Prime Minister Abe stated in regards to defense cooperation that Japan would promote practical cooperation under the Vientiane Vision (Japan's Defense Cooperation Initiative with ASEAN) and strengthen cooperation in the area of cybersecurity. Regarding regional and international affairs, Prime Minister Abe said Japan would continue to work closely with ASEAN Member States to maintain and strengthen a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Concerning the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that it was necessary to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions in order to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, as stipulated in UN Security Council resolutions. With regard to the issue of the South China Sea, Prime Minister Abe noted that the South China Sea is a lifeline for both Japan and ASEAN, which have enjoyed peace and prosperity through trade in the sea, and that freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is vital to both sides. Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan's full support of the principles that ASEAN has upheld to ensure freedom of navigation, Japan's appreciation for ASEAN's efforts, including those on the COC negotiations and Japan's hope that these principles be reflected in the COC. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe shared ASEAN's deep concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea, and stated that Japan would support ASEAN's initiatives that seek to pursue demilitarization of the area and maintain a peaceful and open South China Sea.
On the economic front, through ODA and the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), Japan has supported the deepening of ASEAN integration in a variety of areas, including support for narrowing the economic disparities within the region by enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. At the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting in November, Prime Minister Abe noted that Japan's assistance to ASEAN has exceeded its 2013 commitment to provide 2 trillion yen over five years, and stated that Japan would continue to support private investment and advance the development of quality infrastructure in accordance with international standards while respecting ASEAN's unity and centrality. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe announced that Japan would collaborate with ASEAN to promote the following types of initiatives: (1) Industrial Human Resource Development Cooperation Initiative 2.0; (2) ASEAN-Japan Fourth Industrial Revolution Initiative; (3) promotion of free trade through WTO reforms, etc.; (4) cooperation on smart cities network in partnership with the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN); (5) disaster management cooperation, including the ASEAN-Japan Disaster Management Cooperation through utilizing JAIF and collaborating with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre); (6) environmental cooperation, such as the Japan-ASEAN Environment Cooperation Initiative and measures to tackle marine plastic litter; (7) Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative; (8) cooperation in the areas of education and culture, such as the “WA Project: Toward Interactive Asia through Fusion and Harmony”; and (9) reforms of the ASEAN-Japan Centre.
At the Summit Meeting, ASEAN welcomed the issuance of the Joint Statement on the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and many ASEAN Member States expressed appreciation for Japan's cooperation in a variety of fields, including disaster management and connectivity enhancement. Many Member States expressed expectations toward Japan's efforts for achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and also raised the issues of North Korea and the South China Sea.
1. 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
At the ASEAN-Japan Summit held in Singapore on November 14, 2018, the two sides issued a future-oriented Joint Statement to Commemorate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The Joint Statement reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN-Japan relationship and called for further advances in ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation ties based on mutual trust through heart-to-heart relations and an equal partnership. It also included an initiative to further strengthen ASEAN-Japan Cooperation and the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership from the four areas of partnerships* in the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Shared Vision, Shared Identity, and Shared Future issued in 2013. Additionally, the ASEAN and Japanese leaders agreed to promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open in the Joint Statement.
In the field of cultural interaction, numerous events to mark the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation took place in 2018. In particular, Japanese and ASEAN artists assembled in October for the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Music Festival, a major event held in Tokyo. The festival provided an opportunity to deepen interaction between ASEAN and Japan, particularly among young people.
2. History of the 45 years of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation
The partnership between Japan and ASEAN extends back to establishment of the ASEAN-Japan synthetic rubber forum in 1973. Then-Prime Minister Fukuda proposed the “Fukuda Doctrine” in 1977, which would serve as a fundamental principle for subsequent diplomatic ties with ASEAN, moving postwar diplomacy which mainly focused on problem solving and offering a clear approach. The ASEAN-Japan Summit, which started in the same year, became a regular event and has promoted ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation ever since.
In 2013, which marked the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Prime Minister Abe announced “Five Principles of Japan's ASEAN Diplomacy.” In December 2013, the leaders of ASEAN and Japan adopted the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation: Shared Vision, Shared Identity, and Shared Future and its Implementation Plan at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting. In the five years since then, Japan steadily achieved assistance goals in the areas presented in 2013, including official development assistance (ODA), defense cooperation, human resource development, counter-terrorism measures, and people-to-people exchange. Cooperation continues to advance in a variety of areas through the four partnerships.
3. Importance of ASEAN and the Future of the ASEAN-Japan Partnership
The ASEAN population increased from 180 million people when ASEAN was originally established to 650 million people today. Japan has cumulatively extended roughly 17.93 trillion yen in ODA to ASEAN and contributed to economic and social advancement in ASEAN countries so far. ASEAN has also been strengthening its presence as an important partner of Japan in the area of the economy. As of October 2017, 12,000 Japan-affiliated companies had expanded their operations in the ASEAN region (number of business sites). Trade with ASEAN totals about 23.4 trillion yen out of Japan's 153.7 trillion yen in overall trade, making ASEAN the second largest trading partner after China.
It is expected that the ASEAN-Japan Partnership, which commemorated its 45th anniversary in 2018, will further advance in a wide range of areas based on the above-mentioned Joint Statement.
* Japan and ASEAN confirmed to strengthen cooperation in the following four partnership areas: (1) Partners for Peace and Stability (politics and security); (2) Partners for Prosperity (economics and economic cooperation); (3) Partners for Quality of Life (new economic and social issues); and (4) Heart-to-Heart Partners (people-to-people exchanges). The two sides updated the Vision Statement's Implementation Plan in August 2017.
(4) 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, since 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 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting held in Tokyo in October 2018, the leaders adopted the “Tokyo Strategy 2018 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation,” which sets the course for future Japan-Mekong cooperation. The leaders praised the achievement of Japan's commitment to provide over 750 billion yen in the past three years as ODA, as well as the strengthening of connectivity through quality infrastructure development. The Mekong countries expressed deep appreciation for Japan's assistance over many years through the Japan-Mekong cooperation. Japan will continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of the Mekong region as a trusted partner for Mekong countries.
In 2019, which marks the 10th anniversary of the 2009 “Mekong-Japan Exchange Year” between Japan and the Mekong countries, “Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2019” will be held. During the exchange year, exchange programs will be held in wide-ranging fields including politics, economy and culture in Japan and Mekong countries.
(5) ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and ROK)
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. Under the “ASEAN+3 Cooperation Work Plan (2018-2022)” adopted in August 2017, ASEAN+3 member states have been making further progress on cooperation in various fields.
At the 18th ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Singapore in August 2018, Foreign Minister Kono appreciated the progress of ASEAN+3 working-level cooperation over the past 21 years. Foreign Minister Kono also provided a review of the ASEAN+3 cooperation, and explained the future direction focusing on Japan's efforts. Furthermore, he referred to regional and international affairs, including the issue of North Korea.
At the 20th ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting held in Singapore in November, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the timely holding of the ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting, referring to his official visit to China in October at which Japan and China shared the view on playing a constructive role for peace and stability of the international community. Prime Minister Abe also stated that ASEAN+3's areas of cooperation is expanding from the initial financial cooperation to other areas, such as food security, poverty eradication, culture, tourism and youth exchange, and announced that Japan will focus its efforts particularly on the environment, disaster risk reduction and healthcare.
ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting (November 15, Singapore; Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions was necessary for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and that Japan will cooperate on measures to counter ship-to-ship transfers prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions.
ERIA's 10th Anniversary Dinner Reception (October 18, Tokyo; Photo: ERIA)
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) is an international organization founded in Jakarta (Indonesia) in 2008, with leadership from the Government of Japan, and marked its 10th anniversary in 2018.
ERIA is now widely known as an East Asian international organization. However, it experienced a number of twists and turns in its history, including finding agreement on its host country and securing the necessary financial contributions, from the ASEAN-Japan Meeting of Economic Ministers in 2006, when the then Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nikai, first proposed a concept of an ‘East Asian version of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),' until the Third East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2007, when the establishment of ERIA was officially agreed. ERIA, which began as a tiny organization with three employees located in a single room within the ASEAN Secretariat (Jakarta, Indonesia), has grown into an organization with 83 staff members, including 17 in-house economists, with over 150 researchers annually participating in research projects at ERIA. This is thanks to assistance from the Government of Japan, the largest contributor, and various other East Asian countries, as well as the unwavering support of the late Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan.
ASEAN@50 High-Level Forum (October 19, 2017, Manila, the Philippines; Photo: ERIA)
ERIA's roles are: (1) research into economic topics with emphasis on ‘deepening economic integration,' ‘narrowing development gaps,' and ‘achieving sustainable economic development'; (2) policy research and recommendations based on requests from the 16 member countries (10 ASEAN countries, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand); and (3) capacity building aimed at proliferation and utilization of research results. ERIA is continually collaborating with the governments of ASEAN countries and other member countries, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat, to ensure that the research in which ERIA takes a leading role takes into account the policy needs of various countries. Furthermore, the ERIA President attends the EAS Meeting of Economic Ministers and Meeting of Energy Ministers every year, and announces research results and policy recommendations. In 2017, as commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN's establishment, ERIA worked jointly with the Government of the Philippines, the ASEAN chair country at the time, to publish a five-volume book on ASEAN history and developments and held a high-level forum with participation by summit-class officials. Declarations by ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, including EAS, and various related ministerial meetings annually mention these accomplishments by ERIA.
ERIA has achieved a variety of results in areas such as free trade agreements for East Asia and ASEAN, ASEAN connectivity, infrastructure development in East Asia, energy security, and small and medium-sized enterprises. With regard to new issues confronting ASEAN, such as aging, digitalization, the environment, and development of highly-skilled human resources, it is expected that ERIA will further enhance its value as an international organization that contributes to regional development, while leveraging knowledge and experience from Japan, which had a leading role in its foundation.
* ERIA makes all of its publications available to the public on its website <http://www.eria.org/>.
(6) 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 premium forum of the region, 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 strengthening international rules and norms concerning trade and investment.
East Asia Summit (EAS) (November 15, Singapore; Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
A 8th EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting
At the 8th EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Singapore in August, Foreign Minister Kono stated that since 2017 EAS has proven itself to be an effective mechanism to tackle issues, such as the issue of North Korea, facilitation of maritime cooperation and promotion of free trade. Foreign Minister Kono also explained Japan's initiatives to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and explained Japan's position concerning the issues of North Korea and the South China Sea.
Specifically, regarding the issue of North Korea, Foreign Minister Kono commended the efforts by the U.S. and the ROK toward “complete denuclearization” of North Korea. Foreign Minister Kono called for close coordination for the realization of the goal of complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He appealed for maintaining and strengthening efforts to close the “loopholes” of sanctions, including “ship-to-ship transfers.” Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kono called for the cooperation of EAS member countries over the abductions issue.
Regarding the issue of South China Sea, Foreign Minister Kono stated that Japan shares with other countries serious concerns over the continued rapid and large-scale building of outposts in the area. Foreign Minister Kono stressed his strong opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, stating that such moves may undermine freedom of navigation. He also advocated that efforts should be made toward peaceful settlement of disputes, and expressed his expectation that efforts such as the negotiations on the code of conduct in the South China Sea lead to demilitarization of disputed features as well as a peaceful and open South China Sea.
B The 13th EAS
At the 13th EAS held in Singapore in November, leaders reviewed the cooperation within the EAS, and discussed its future direction as well as regional and international issues. Prime Minister Abe stated that, during his official visit to China in October 2018, Japan and China shared the view to play a constructive role for the peace and prosperity of the international community, and expressed his desire for the EAS discussions to proceed in the same spirit. He then expressed Japan's determination to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” the cornerstone of peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, and stated that this included the principles of ASEAN's centrality and openness shared by EAS participating countries. Regarding Japan's concrete cooperation, Prime Minister Abe introduced examples of Japan's quality infrastructure projects, and underscored the need for international standards such as openness, transparency, economic efficiency and fiscal soundness of recipient countries. He stated that initiatives that contribute to achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” do not exclude any countries and benefit all countries in the region, and expressed Japan's intention to cooperate with all countries that share these views.
Regarding the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the historic U.S.-North Korea Summit and three Inter-Korean Summits as a step toward the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues of concern, such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues. Prime Minister Abe advocated the need for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions in order to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, as stipulated in the UN Security Council resolutions. He highly appreciated the cooperation of countries, including the U.S., Australia, the UK, Canada and New Zealand, to counter ship-to-ship transfers, and expressed Japan's wish to continue to cooperate with these countries. He also sought the understanding and cooperation of the countries toward the early resolution of the abductions issue.
Regarding the issue of South China Sea, Prime Minister Abe stated that the disputes should be resolved peacefully based on international law and not by force, and from this perspective, expressed full expectations toward the conclusion of an effective COC. He expressed continued serious concerns over the situation in the South China Sea. In order to realize a peaceful and open South China Sea, he said Japan firmly supports the fundamental principles of “full respect for legal and diplomatic processes,” “freedom of navigation,” and “the importance of demilitarization and self-restraint” that ASEAN has upheld, and urged that these principles be conveyed strongly to the international community.
Regarding the situation in Rakhine of Myanmar, Prime Minister Abe commended the dialogue between Myanmar and Bangladesh. He expressed his hope for the “safe, voluntary and dignified” return of displaced persons in cooperation with the UN, and sought the international community's support for the efforts of both countries.
Photo of the Leaders (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Joint Press Announcement (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
The 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting was held on October 9, 2018 in Tokyo. Attendees included Prime Minister Abe, who chaired the meeting, and leaders of the five Mekong countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam). This meeting has taken place annually since 2009 for the purpose of strengthening relations between Japan and the Mekong countries as well as narrowing intraregional disparities and promoting sustainable development in the Mekong region. It is held in Japan once every three years (2018 was one of these years).
The leaders adopted the “Tokyo Strategy 2018 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation” at this commemorative 10th Mekong-Japan Summit, and decided to define the relationship between Japan and the Mekong region as “strategic partners.” In accordance with the Strategy's three pillars of “vibrant and effective connectivity,” “people-centered society,” and “realization of a Green Mekong,” it identifies the three concrete targets to promote Mekong-Japan cooperation: of achieving the SDGs; achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific; and coordination with the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), which is the five Mekong countries' own economic cooperation framework led by Thailand.
At the Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Abe expressed his determination to strongly promote Mekong-Japan cooperation based on the Tokyo Strategy 2018 for Mekong-Japan Cooperation, and emphasized that Japanese companies are playing an important role in the development of the Mekong region. Prime Minister also presented a policy encouraging private-sector investment more than ever before with the utilization of public funds including Official Development Assistance (ODA). Prime Minister Abe then requested the leaders of the Mekong countries to listen to the views of Japanese companies and to steadily develop their countries' investment environments. In response, the leaders of the Mekong countries expressed appreciation for Japan's contribution thus far and hope for future cooperation.
Besides the Summit Meeting in Tokyo, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited Kanagawa Prefecture, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited Fukushima Prefecture, and leaders of the Mekong countries also met with business leaders.
2019 is designated as “Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2019” and it is expected that the relationship will further deepen, including in cultural aspects, based on the success of the 10th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting.
(7) Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Cooperation
Trilateral cooperation among Japan, China and the ROK continues to be vital from the perspective of promoting 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 May 2018, the Seventh Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held in Tokyo under the chairmanship of Japan. At the Trilateral Summit Meeting held for the first time in around two and a half years, the three leaders of Japan, China and the ROK discussed the current status and future direction of the trilateral cooperation. The leaders made a new start on the trilateral cooperation and reaffirmed holding the Summit Meeting on a regular basis. Regarding the trilateral cooperation, the three leaders welcomed steady progress made in various fields and appreciated the efforts made by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) to this end. In addition, they discussed the current status and future direction of specific cooperation projects. The three leaders shared the view to advance cooperation in a variety of areas, including people-to-people exchanges through the opportunity of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as finance, energy, environment, disaster risk reduction and ICT. The three leaders also confirmed that they would advance the trilateral cooperation in a more “open and inclusive” manner. Regarding the efforts over the last decade, Prime Minister Abe stated, “We are determined to pursue comprehensive cooperation in a future-oriented manner.” He then underscored the spirit of the Joint Statement of the First Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting, and stated that he hoped to make a new start of the trilateral cooperation. Additionally, the three leaders who share a large responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region discussed regional and international affairs, such as the issue of North Korea and promotion of free trade, taking into account that this Summit Meeting was held at an important juncture prior to the U.S.-North Korea Summit, shortly after the Inter-Korean Summit.
1. Seventh Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
The Seventh Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit held in Japan in May 2018 was the first summit meeting in two and a half years. Visits to Japan by Premier of China Li Keqiang and President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Moon Jae-in were the first by a Chinese Premier in eight years and by an ROK President in seven years, other than for attendance at multilateral meetings. The Trilateral Summit was held despite the various issues facing Japan-China and Japan-ROK relations, and the three countries reached a consensus to hold Summit meetings regularly. It was a significant outcome to make a new start for the three countries.
2. Background of Japan-China-ROK cooperation
Japan-China-ROK cooperation began as a dialogue among leaders of the three countries in a breakfast meeting format at the ASEAN+3 (Japan, China, and the ROK) Summit Meeting (held in Manila, Philippines) in November 1999 during the Asian currency and financial crisis, as a proposal by then Prime Minister Obuchi. This marked the start of the cooperation process among the three countries, and thereafter Japan-China-ROK Summit meetings took place annually during the ASEAN+3 Summit.
Subsequently, in December 2008, the Japan-China-ROK Summit meeting was held individually for the first time in Fukuoka. At the joint post-meeting press conference, then Prime Minister Aso referred to the meeting as the “First Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit” and commented on the “historical necessity” of the leaders of these three countries coming together periodically in an effort to strengthen cooperation. Furthermore, the three leaders issued a declaration of “We are resolved to promote comprehensive cooperation in a future-oriented manner.” In 2011, they established the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat as an international organization for the purpose of contributing to further promotion of cooperative trilateral relations.
2018 marked the 10th anniversary since the First Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit. Looking back over the past ten years, trilateral cooperation has steadily advanced. The three countries, which together account for 20% of global GDP, initiated an investment agreement and are currently negotiating a trilateral FTA. These steps are forming a mutually beneficial economic zone. Additionally, the number of people-to-people exchanges has doubled, which led us to create a new goal of elevating the number of people traveling among the three countries up to 30 million people annually. Furthermore, areas of cooperation have expanded too, with 21 ministerial-level meetings being held and over 100 cooperative programs being implemented even during the period between the Sixth and Seventh Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summits when no summit was held. Trilateral cooperation is also vital to resolving the North Korean nuclear and missile issue confronting the region and the international community and to realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Based on the discussions at the latest summit, Japan will advance cooperation among these three countries, which are responsible for regional peace and prosperity.
(8) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Consisting of 21 economies (countries and regions) 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 economic aspect in this region is extremely important in pursuing Japan's further development.
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Papua New Guinea in 2018 was attended by Prime Minister Abe from Japan. Looking ahead to Japan's G20 presidency in 2019, Prime Minister Abe stated that, as the standard-bearer of free trade, Japan would contribute proactively to the prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, the “world's growth center,” and that Japan would secure and enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region as an proponent of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and the host of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM).
(9) 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 2018, SAARC has eight member states (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and nine observer countries and institutions including Japan. As a rather loose framework of regional cooperation, SAARC has worked primarily on economic, social and cultural areas, through summit meetings and meetings of the Council at the ministerial level (foreign ministers' meetings). As part of youth exchange between Japan and SAARC, Japan has invited around 3,100 people to date (192 people in FY2018).