Kuala lumpur: Japan has reiterated its unwavering support for ASEAN’s central role in resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and expressed its intention to strengthen regional collaboration through its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, which aligns with ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata emphasized Tokyo’s commitment to ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and highlighted Japan’s diplomatic engagements with various stakeholders in Myanmar to facilitate dialogue and humanitarian access. Shikata underscored Japan’s consistent involvement in addressing the Myanmar issue in close cooperation with ASEAN, particularly through the 5PC.
Shikata acknowledged the slow progress since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar but reiterated that Japan’s focus remains on providing long-term humanitarian and development support to the people of Myanmar. He expressed hope for advancements under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, acknowledging the complexity and limited progress so far.
Malaysia has intensified diplomatic efforts regarding Myanmar, engaging both the military leadership and the National Unity Government (NUG) to work towards an inclusive political resolution. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has held separate meetings with representatives from both sides, advocating for an extended ceasefire to ensure humanitarian aid reaches conflict-affected regions.
Malaysia has suggested appointing a permanent ASEAN special envoy and reaffirmed its backing of the Five-Point Consensus, emphasizing constructive dialogue and humanitarian access. Shikata noted Japan’s readiness to further contribute to ASEAN-led humanitarian responses through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), especially for internally displaced communities.
A significant earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread destruction, displacing thousands, and reportedly resulting in over 3,700 fatalities. The quake, with a magnitude of 7.7, hit near Mandalay and Sagaing, inflicting catastrophic damage.
Discussing broader regional dynamics, Shikata highlighted the strong commonality between Japan’s FOIP strategy and ASEAN’s AOIP, particularly in promoting inclusivity, openness, transparency, and adherence to international law. He noted that the alignment between the two frameworks presents an opportune moment for Japan and ASEAN to collaborate on maritime security, sustainable development, infrastructure, and economic integration.
The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, adopted in 2019, articulates ASEAN’s approach to fostering inclusive and rules-based cooperation through ASEAN-led platforms such as the East Asia Summit. Japan’s FOIP strategy, introduced in 2016, emphasizes freedom of navigation, rule of law, economic growth, and regional stability.
Japan became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner in 1973, formalizing the partnership in 1977. Over the years, Japan has steadily expanded its engagement with ASEAN, joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in 2004, appointing a dedicated ambassador to ASEAN in 2010, and establishing its permanent mission in Jakarta the following year. In 2023, ASEAN and Japan elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting Tokyo’s enduring support for ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation across political, economic, and socio-cultural pillars.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur from July 9 to 11 to attend the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings.