Marking 50 years of Japan’s friendship and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hosted a commemorative summit over the weekend to underline his country’s commitment to lead in promoting collaboration for boosting economic growth and enhancing maritime security cooperation.

In 1973, the first Japan-ASEAN summit was convened to address concerns pertaining to the country’s synthetic rubber exports that were competing with ASEAN’s natural rubber exports. Since then, ASEAN and Japan have been holding continuing dialogues during the annual summit meetings. Every tenth year, Japan hosts a commemorative summit.

Recall that in 2013, then President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the 40th ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit chaired by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japan extended significant assistance of up to $500 million assistance for the massive disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Another highlight was the signing of a $184 million loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the procurement of ten new vessels to augment the Philippine Coast Guard’s fleet. In September 2012, the name West Philippine Sea was adopted to designate the Philippines’ territorial waters in consonance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Last week, Japan joined the United States and Australia in expressing “serious concern” about “dangerous actions’ following yet another tense confrontation between vessels of the Philippines and China at flashpoint reefs within the West Philippine Sea. China’s expansive view of its maritime territory — notwithstanding the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s definitive ruling in 2016 — has engendered similar disputes with other ASEAN members such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Ironically, the crafting of a definitive Code of Conduct goes on without assurance of reaching conclusion more than 20 years after it was initiated. Last July 13, China and ASEAN agreed to adopt new guidelines to accelerate negotiations. Yet, only last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned China’s ambassador to the Philippines, demanding explanation regarding the latest incidents of water cannon attacks mounted against resupply vessels, including those manned by civilian volunteers.  

Laudably, the current summit included discussions on the production of next-generation transportation such as electric vehicles. ASEAN countries would certainly welcome Japan’s assistance in drawing up plans for next-generation vehicles and strengthening supply chains in the automobile sector.

President Marcos has prioritized, among others, the consolidation and updating of previous agreements forged with business groups that have signified intentions of investing in the Philippines. While details have not been announced, new memoranda of understanding (MOU) will be signed with at least five business organizations, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Expectations are high that at the summit’s conclusion, the joint statement would outline specific areas of cooperation focusing on human and cultural exchanges, economic partnerships and enhanced security cooperation. Moreover, Japan and ASEAN will reinforce cooperation aimed at maintaining maritime order based on the rule of law.
All told, President Marcos’ brief visit to Tokyo is likely to advance the country’s vital interests in attaining sustainable economic growth and enhancing national security.