Japan-ASEAN Summit: Deepening Partnership and Cooperation

During the Japan-ASEAN special summit in Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the leaders of nine ASEAN member states emphasized the need to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. Kishida announced Japan's intention to provide $35 billion over the next five years for measures to combat climate change in the ASEAN region. He also expressed Japan's commitment to standing with ASEAN in the face of global crises and divisions. The joint statement adopted during the summit highlighted the importance of high-quality infrastructure investment, cooperation in energy fields, and enhancing the supply chain. Kishida proposed utilizing "offer-type cooperation" to support private-sector investment in the official development assistance, and the leaders agreed to establish a new partnership framework to strengthen cooperation in producing electric and next-generation vehicles. Additionally, they discussed enhancing cooperation in national security, cybersecurity, and combating disinformation.

In a bid to support other countries amid China's increasing influence, Kishida expressed Japan's intention to actively utilize the official security assistance, providing defense equipment and support to like-minded countries. The leaders also outlined plans for a comprehensive program to promote people-to-people exchanges and international joint research, with Japan committing significant funding for these initiatives over the next few years. Kishida emphasized the importance of passing on the bonds of trust to future generations.