Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Wednesday vowed closer cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila to help them defend their territories and territorial waters amid concerns over China’s assertive actions in the region.
Speaking at an annual meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, Motegi described the 11-member regional bloc as “core” to realizing Japan’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, while noting that international order based on the rule of law is facing “various challenges.”
He pledged closer cooperation with ASEAN on economic security, including critical mineral supply chains, as well as support in areas such as artificial intelligence and disaster response.
“Our goal is to build a stronger and more prosperous region together. We want to continue strengthening our relationship of trust,” he said.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as new member East Timor.
Earlier Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia and India reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation with ASEAN, saying they will deepen collaboration with the group as “comprehensive strategic partners.”
