ASEAN and Japan Pledge Deeper Cooperation for a Peaceful and Resilient Indo-Pacific

ASEAN and Japan Pledge Deeper Cooperation for a Peaceful and Resilient Indo-Pacific

Diplomat Today0

The 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit was held on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together leaders from the ten ASEAN member states and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The meeting focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and Japan while advancing cooperation for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and pledged to work closely with Southeast Asian nations in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) — a framework that aligns closely with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision.

The leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in several key areas:

  • Maritime security and regional stability: Both sides emphasized freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
  • Economic and digital cooperation: Japan announced initiatives to boost digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) research, and supply chain resilience. Upgrading the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) was also discussed.
  • Green transition and sustainability: The two sides committed to work together on renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, and climate adaptation efforts.
  • People-to-people exchange: Japan pledged to expand youth, academic, and cultural exchange programs, including new phases of the “WA Project” and JENESYS.

ASEAN leaders expressed appreciation for Japan’s long-standing investment and development support, noting that Japan remains one of the region’s largest economic partners. They also welcomed Tokyo’s role in maintaining regional stability and disaster preparedness.

The summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement on the Further Promotion of the AOIP, reaffirming shared values of openness, inclusivity, and respect for international law.

In essence, the 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit showcased a deepening of trust and cooperation between Japan and Southeast Asia — with a strong focus on digital transformation, sustainable growth, and collective security in the Indo-Pacific.

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