7 Regional and Inter-Regional Cooperation

In the Indo-Pacific region, the world's growth center, it is important to ensure peace and prosperity for the entire region, and by extension for the world, by realizing a free and open order based on the rule of law. From this perspective, while maintaining the Japan-U.S. Alliance as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, Japan strategically advances initiatives toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” through various regional cooperative frameworks such as Japan-ASEAN, Japan-Mekong cooperation, ASEAN Plus Three (Japan, China and the ROK), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and through cooperation with like-minded countries such as Australia, India, ASEAN Member States, and Europe.

In particular, Japan has consistently supported the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP),”⁽³²⁾ which ASEAN formulated in 2019. AOIP shares fundamental principles with FOIP, including openness, transparency, inclusivity, and respect for international law, and Japan has been assisting its mainstreaming. Japan intends to continue respecting ASEAN centrality and unity and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region by implementing concrete cooperation that contributes to the principles espoused by FOIP and AOIP.

• (32) AOIP: ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
  AOIP is a guideline for ASEAN's engagement in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and was adopted at the ASEAN Summit Meeting in June 2019. In addition to strengthening ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region, AOIP sets out to promote cooperation in areas such as maritime cooperation, connectivity, SDGs, and the economy based on the principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, rules-based frameworks, good governance, respect for sovereignty, non-interference, complementarity with existing cooperation frameworks, equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and respect for international laws including the UN Charter, the UNCLOS, and other relevant UN conventions.

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

Located at a geopolitical strategic point in the center of the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN is key to the realization of FOIP. While Southeast Asia has been an important production base for Japanese companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry, and recently, has been attracting attention as a vibrant growth center for the global economy and as a growing consumer market. ASEAN also plays an important role in regional cooperation, and, through multilayered frameworks such as ASEAN+3 (Japan, China, and the ROK), EAS, and ARF, cooperation is progressing in a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economy, and society and culture.

In 2015, the establishment of the ASEAN Community was declared, and the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 was adopted, outlining the direction of the ASEAN Community for the 10 years from 2016. In 2019, the AOIP, which is a guideline for ASEAN's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, was adopted.

On the economic front, ASEAN established the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and has concluded EPAs and FTAs with countries such as Japan, China, the ROK, and India. Moreover, an ASEAN centered free trade area is expanding, with ASEAN member states signing the RCEP Agreement with Japan, China, the ROK, Australia and New Zealand.

(2) Issue of the South China Sea

In the South China Sea, amidst disputes over territorial sovereignty, China has been continuing and intensifying its unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and its actions that increase regional tensions, such as further militarization of disputed features (See Chapter 3, Section 1, 3 (4) d) and coercive and threatening actions against coastal countries and other countries, which is against the rule of law and openness. Moreover, China has been refusing to accept the Arbitral Tribunal's award⁽³³⁾ to the Philippines and China, and has continued to assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In 2024, the Government of the Philippines issued multiple statements condemning the actions of Chinese vessels against Philippine-flagged ships as in 2023, following the collisions between Chinese and Filipino vessels and other incidents. The Government of Viet Nam also released a statement condemning the actions of Chinese vessels against crewmembers of a Vietnamese fishing boat were injured in the Paracel Islands.

The issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community. It is also an important matter of interest for Japan, as Japan imports most of its resources and energy through marine transport. The international community, including Japan, have expressed serious concern against China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and other actions that increase regional tensions.

Japan strongly opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and any actions that increase tensions, and, from the standpoint that the three principles of the rule of law at sea should be consistently adhered to (See Chapter 3, Section 1, 6 (2) on page 253.), Japan has also consistently emphasized the importance of all the concerned parties related to the South China Sea to work toward peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, in particular UNCLOS. Moreover, Japan has also repeatedly pointed out that China's assertions in the South China Sea are not based on relevant provisions of UNCLOS; that it is important to protect the freedom of navigation and overflight in all maritime and airspace in the South China Sea; that the Arbitral Tribunal's award, which determined that China's claim of “historical rights” based on the “nine-dash line,” which has no clear basis in international law, violates UNCLOS, is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute; and that it expects that the parties complies with the award and resolve the dispute peacefully. Since 2021, which marked the fifth anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal's award as to the disputes between the Philippines and China, Japan has been issuing statements by the Foreign Minister every year, and has been repeatedly expressing Japan's position, including the importance of the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the importance of the rule of law.

Cooperation among allies and like-minded countries is also important to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In April, Prime Minister Kishida attended the Japan-U.S.-Philippines Summit in the U.S., held for the first time, with U.S. President Biden and Philippine President Marcos. The three leaders concurred on further strengthening cooperation among Japan, the U.S. and the Philippines, and to advance embodying the cooperation among the three countries, with the severe strategic environment, including the situation in the South China Sea in mind. Following the announcement of the establishment at the Japan-U.S.-Philippines Summit, the Japan-U.S.-Philippines Maritime Dialogue was held in December, where the participants exchanged views on the situation in the South China Sea, and reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

Furthermore, with regard to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), which has been under discussion for many years between China and ASEAN, Japan has stated its position that it should be effective, substantive, consistent with international laws including UNCLOS, and respect the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders who use the South China Sea.

• (33) In January 2013, the Government of the Philippines instituted arbitral proceedings under UNCLOS as to the disputes between the Philippines and China regarding the South China Sea. The Arbitral Tribunal organized by these proceedings rendered the final award on July 12, 2016. Japan issued a statement by the Foreign Minister on the same day, stating, “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 hopes that the parties' compliance with the award will eventually lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.”

(3) Japan-ASEAN Relations

Realizing a more stable and prosperous ASEAN, the key to the realization of FOIP, is absolutely essential to the stability and prosperity of the region as a whole. Japan is actively supporting ASEAN's efforts based on “ASEAN Community Vision 2025” for further integration even after the 2015 establishment of the ASEAN Community.

Currently, cooperation is progressing in a wide range of areas under the three pillars based on the “Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation” and its concrete “Implementation Plan,” which were adopted at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation held in December 2023: (a) connecting to the next generation and strengthening the long-standing relationship of trust as “Heart-to-Heart Partners across Generations,” (b) finding solutions to common challenges as “Partners for Co-Creation of Economy and Society of the Future,” and (c) promoting FOIP as “Partners for Peace and Stability.”

Moreover, regarding AOIP, Japan has been building up concrete cooperation in line with four priority areas of cooperation of AOIP, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and economy, based on the “Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” adopted in 2020.

At the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July, Foreign Minister Kamikawa pointed out that broad cooperation is steadily progressing in line with the three pillars of the Joint Vision Statement announced at the Commemorative Summit, referring to the (a) dispatch of “NIHONGO Partners” under the “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0,” (b) support for enhancing ASEAN connectivity under the “Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative,” and (c) security cooperation and maritime cooperation. The Foreign Ministers of ASEAN Member States expressed high appreciation for the Commemorative Summit and welcomed the steady progress of concrete cooperation in line with the Implementation Plan of the Joint Vision Statement. Moreover, Foreign Minister Kamikawa explained Japan's position regarding regional and international situations, that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world from the perspective of emphasizing the importance of the international order based on the rule of law, and that Japan will continue to support ASEAN's centrality and unity.

At the ASEAN Japan Summit in October, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his strong determination to further strengthen the relationship as “Trusted Partners” with “heart to heart” connections, which Japan and ASEAN have built over half a century. He also explained that cooperation on the three pillars is progressing steadily, and stated that Japan will promote cooperation to address emerging issues such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX) in order to jointly shape a vibrant future of the region. ASEAN countries expressed high expectations for deepening cooperation with Japan, including in new areas such as DX and GX. Regarding regional and international situations, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan will work with ASEAN to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and explained Japan's position on the East China Sea, South China Sea, Taiwan, North Korea, the situation in Myanmar, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East. ASEAN countries mentioned that unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas are undermining the stability in the region, and mentioned the importance of peaceful settlements of disputes based on UNCLOS. The ASEAN countries also mentioned the importance of implementation of UN Security Council resolutions by North Korea, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the resolution of humanitarian issues including the abductions issue. They also expressed appreciation for Japan's support for the “Five Point Consensus” on Myanmar and mentioned the importance of a peaceful resolution to the situation in the Middle East.

(4) Japan-Mekong Cooperation

The Mekong region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam) is Japan's strategic partner with promising future potential. Peace and prosperity in the Mekong region are extremely important to Asia as a whole, including Japan, since it contributes to narrowing the development gap in the region and promoting regional integration within ASEAN.

In July, the first Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting in three years was held in Laos, and the Japan-Mekong Cooperation Strategy 2024 was adopted, which is based on three pillars: (a) Resilient and connected society in the post-COVID-19 world, (b) Digitalization, and (c) Proactive response to non-traditional security issues. Foreign Minister Kamikawa, who served as co-chair of the meeting, stated that Japan will continue to work on enhancing connectivity in various fields, both hard and soft, and will cooperate in various fields with the promising Mekong countries as “Partners for Co-creation of Economy and Society of the Future.” Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of the region through the implementation of Japan-Mekong cooperation projects based on the strategy.

(5) ASEAN Plus Three

The ASEAN Plus Three was established in 1997, when the Asian financial crisis triggered the addition of three countries (China, Japan, and the ROK) to ASEAN. ASEAN Plus Three has developed with a focus on areas such as finance and food security. Today, it covers cooperation in 24 areas, including finance, agriculture and food, education, culture, tourism, health, energy and the environment. Further cooperation is progressing in each area under the “ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan (2023-2027).”

At the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in July, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stressed the importance of maintaining and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law in order for the region to remain the center of stable economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Moreover, Minister Kamikawa welcomed the agreement on the establishment of a “Rapid Financing Facility” to further strengthen the functions of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM)⁽³⁴⁾ as a concrete example of cooperation within ASEAN+3, regarding economic and financial cooperation. On cooperation toward a sustainable society, Minister Kamikawa spoke on Japan's continued support through the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) and full support for the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). On cooperation regarding peace and security, Minister Kamikawa showed her willingness to press forward with cooperation on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), underlining the importance of women's participation and leadership in disaster response, disaster prevention and mitigation. With regard to regional and international situations, Minister Kamikawa explained Japan's position on North Korea, including its nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the situation in Myanmar.

At the ASEAN Plus Three Summit in October, Prime Minister Ishiba pointed out that the total GDP of Japan, China, the ROK and ASEAN accounts for more than 25% of the world's total GDP, indicating that there is great potential for ASEAN+3 cooperation; stated that Japan has led the establishment of the rapid Financing Facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization that had been concurred on; noted that Japan has been playing a leading role in the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve; remarked that Japan will dispatch Japanese experts to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management; and stated Japan's commitment to further promote ASEAN+3 cooperation and to work together with the ASEAN+3 countries to shape and safeguard the future. Furthermore, with regard to the regional and international issues, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law is essential for the stability and prosperity of the region, and explained Japan's position on North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.

Prime Minister Ishiba attending the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-ROK) Summit (October 10, Vientiane, Laos; Photo: Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)

• (34) The Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) is a framework agreed upon at the 2nd ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers' Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in May 2000, in response to the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis with the aim of preventing a recurrence of currency crises within East Asia. To forestall regional financial contagion and escalation, the CMIM enables member countries facing difficulties in meeting foreign-currency payments to obtain short-term U.S. dollar liquidity through currency swaps in exchange for local currency.

(6) East Asia Summit (EAS)

EAS was established in 2005 with the aim of implementing strategic dialogue and cooperation on common concern to the region, regarding political, security, and economic issues. As the Leaders-led premier forum in the region, EAS is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

At the EAS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in July, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stated that it is important to comply with basic principles of the UN Charter such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to strive for the world where a free and open international order based on the rule of law is maintained and strengthened, and human dignity is protected. Minister Kamikawa also emphasized that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo cannot be tolerated, whether in the seas surrounding Japan, such as the East China Sea, or anywhere else in the world, that fundamental human rights, freedoms and democracy in the region must be protected and promoted, and that economic coercion must be opposed. Moreover, Minister Kamikawa explained Japan's positions on the situation in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, Myanmar, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and ALPS treated water.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa attending the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers' Meeting (July 27, Vientiane, Laos)

At the 19th East Asia Summit held in October, Prime Minister Ishiba pointed out the principles of the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, and prohibition of the use of force, are becoming increasingly important in today's turbulent international situation. Prime Minister Ishiba stated that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion anywhere in the world must not be tolerated, that it is essential to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and that Japan supports ASEAN centrality and unity, advocates AOIP, and will continue to actively support promotion and mainstreaming of the initiative. Regarding the regional and international situation, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed serious concerns about the advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile activities as well as military cooperation with Russia, and pointed out that peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula are in the common interest of all and that a robust response of the international community toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea is critical. Prime Minister Ishiba called for the continued understanding and cooperation from EAS participating countries toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. Moreover, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan strongly opposes continuing and intensifying activities that infringe upon Japan's sovereignty in the East China Sea, expressed serious concerns about militarization and coercive activities that are continuing and intensifying in the South China Sea, and stated that any claims of maritime interests and activities must be based on the relevant provisions of UNCLOS. Prime Minister Ishiba also stated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Regarding the relationship between Japan and China, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that both countries bear great responsibilities for the peace and prosperity of the international community, including the Southeast Asian region, and that Japan will continue to maintain close communication with China at all levels. While expressing serious concerns regarding the situation in Myanmar and calling for improvement of the situation, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan will continue to offer maximum support to ASEAN's efforts including the implementation of the “Five-Point Consensus” and provide humanitarian assistance. Regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Prime Minister Ishiba pointed out that it is a blatant breach of international law, and emphasized that it is necessary to realize a just and lasting peace as soon as possible. As for the situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Ishiba called on all parties concerned to exercise the utmost restraint, and stated that Japan would like to work together to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza as an urgent issue.

(7) Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Cooperation

Japan, China and the ROK share geographical proximity and deep historical ties, play a major role in the global economy, and are a driving force of the prosperity of the East Asian region. There is great potential for the three countries, which share a significant responsibility for peace and prosperity of the region, to promote exchanges and mutual understanding and cooperate to address various challenges in the international community.

On May 27, the Japan-China-ROK Summit was held in Seoul, ROK, for the first time in about four and a half years. At this summit, the three leaders commemorated the 25th anniversary of the trilateral cooperation, welcomed the trilateral process being revitalized, and concurred on promoting future-oriented practical cooperation.

Prime Minister Kishida attending the Ninth Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit (May 27, Seoul, ROK; Photo: Official Website of the Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet)

The three leaders also exchanged views on regional and international situations, including the situation in North Korea, Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Regarding the situation in North Korea, Prime Minister Kishida expressed serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile activities and development of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and reconfirmed that the denuclearization of North Korea and stability on the Korean Peninsula are the common interest of the three countries. He also stated that the three countries should urge North Korea to completely dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Moreover, Prime Minister Kishida asked for continued support of the leaders of the ROK and China for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained their understanding.

(8) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) (See Chapter 3, Section 3, 3 (3) on page 300)

Consisting of 21 economies (countries and regions) in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC is an economic cooperation framework in achieving sustainable growth and prosperity in the region. Promoting economic cooperation and strengthening trust in the Asia-Pacific region, which is positioned as the “world's growth center,” is extremely important for Japan's further economic development.

At the APEC Leaders' Meeting held in Lima, Peru in November, the “2024 APEC Leaders' Machu Picchu Declaration” was adopted, and a Chair's Statement on the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East was released. Prime Minister Ishiba, who attended the meeting, stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open trade and investment environment, as well as the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

(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, and cooperation and collaboration in economic and social development and cultural areas. As of December 2024, SAARC has eight member states (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan) and nine observer countries and institutions including Japan. As a relatively 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). However, no Summit Meeting has been held since 2014, and no Ministerial Meeting has been held since 2016. As part of the youth exchange between Japan and SAARC, Japan has invited 8,921 people as of the end of 2024.

(10) Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

IORA is a regional organization whose main purpose is to promote economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim region, and Japan has been participating as a dialogue partner country since 1999.