Over time, the partnership between the Philippines and Japan has evolved into a robust and enduring friendship. This bond has further strengthened through the collaborative efforts between ASEAN and Japan, not only to implement concrete projects for mutual benefit, but also to realize the shared and unwavering commitment of both to regional peace, security and development.
The stability and prosperity they engender reverberate across the broader Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the years, the ASEAN-Japan partnership has flourished in various domains, including economics, defense and security, leaving an indelible mark on the regional landscape.
Historical foundations
The lasting relationship between Japan and ASEAN started in 1973, with the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Forum on Synthetic Rubber. Since then, Japan and ASEAN have worked together to advance peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. A watershed moment came in 1977, when speaking before the Philippine Congress, Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda unveiled the Fukuda Doctrine.
Japan’s pursuit of a heart-to-heart relationship with ASEAN has since animated our interactions for close to five decades since its articulation. It has driven the way the two parties conduct dialogue and the consultative decision-making process that pervades the region. More critically, a deep well of trust was nurtured by such an approach.
Through the ups and downs of our times, ASEAN and Japan have always been steadfast partners. Japan’s know-how and innovations complement ASEAN’s youth, drive and huge market for a truly win-win relationship.
Moreover, ASEAN and Japan have never wavered in their focus and belief that only mutual help can strengthen this region. From the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s to the global outbreak of COVID in 2020, this commitment never wavered.
More recently, Japan’s promotion of quality infrastructure investment through the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure: Investment for Asia’s Future, the very salient Japan-ASEAN Connectivity Initiative, which envisages projects in almost all Southeast Asian countries, the announced initiatives to leverage the synergies of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, as well as support for ASEAN centrality and unity, are a testament to true friendship.
People-to-people ties
One of the key pillars of the Philippines’ engagement with Japan within the ASEAN framework is the ASEAN-Japan Centre. The center plays a pivotal role in strengthening our economic ties and people-to-people exchanges, significantly contributing to common economic growth and cultural understanding. The center also provides a networking platform for ASEAN and Japanese public- and private-sector officials, leading to increased goodwill. This, in turn, has helped elevate ASEAN’s profile in Japan as a favorable investment, trade and tourism destination.
Defense and security
In recent years, the defense relationship between the Philippines and Japan has gained momentum, including within the ASEAN framework.
In our joint statement during the official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to Japan in February, the two countries shared the view that a free and open international order based on the rule of law has become more important than ever.
Marcos and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed that the Free and Open Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific initiatives share fundamental principles. Marcos emphasized ASEAN centrality and the AOIP as the core of the Philippines’ approach to engaging partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and expressed ASEAN’s call for more collaboration with Japan on the AOIP under ASEAN-led mechanisms.
The continued progress of ASEAN-Japan cooperation, as outlined in the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2020, reflects a shared vision for the region’s future. As a member of ASEAN, the Philippines plays an integral role in advancing this vision, ensuring that the partnership between the Philippines and Japan remains a linchpin for regional stability, growth and prosperity.
In conclusion, the Philippines and Japan’s partnership within the ASEAN framework serves as an outstanding example of how two nations can harmoniously work together to pursue shared objectives. This cooperative venture has solidified our relationship and made significant contributions to the overarching objectives of ASEAN as well, particularly in advancing peace, stability, development and understanding in the region.
As these ties continue to strengthen, they stand as a testament to the enduring dedication of both nations to regional peace and prosperity. Our partnership with Japan within the framework of ASEAN underscores the impact that strong international partnerships can exert in shaping the future of the region and fostering peace and prosperity.
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