QUEZON CITY — In a speech before Congress, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Japan’s unwavering commitment to fostering a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” expressing determination to collaborate closely with the Philippines and the ASEAN to this end.
According to Philippines News Agency, the current global landscape is witnessing a significant shift, challenging the foundational international order built upon the rule of law. He emphasized the collective challenges posed by climate change and infectious diseases, stating that the global community could not afford to be fragmented by differing ideologies and values.
The Japanese Prime Minister reflected on insights gained from the G7 Summit he hosted, recognizing a universal need to embrace human dignity. Affirming a prior agreement with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made during a visit to Japan in February, Kishida reinforced the commitment to sustaining and strengthening a free and open international order predicated on the rule of law.
Kishida outlined the new Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) plan structured around four central pillars: supporting peace principles and prosperity rules; tackling regional challenges in an Indo-Pacific context; enhancing connectivity; and promoting the security and safe usage of both sea and air. He underlined the necessity for peace in Mindanao as being instrumental to broader regional stability and prosperity.
The Japanese leader highlighted Japan’s ongoing dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN, noting the long-standing relationship and mutual support shared between Japan and the Southeast Asian nations. He cited Japan’s contribution to the ASEAN Centre for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies as an example of Japan’s dedication to addressing international health challenges.
Kishida’s commitment also encompassed the strengthening of multi-country linkages and cooperation aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), embodying principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and a rules-based framework. He spotlighted Japan’s monetary contributions and initiatives aimed at boosting Japan-ASEAN connectivity.
Touching on defense and security contributions to the Philippines, Kishida mentioned Japan’s provision of vessels to enhance maritime security, radar systems for air domain awareness, and the recent agreement to supply coastal surveillance radars under Japan’s new Official Security Assistance framework.
Moreover, Kishida stressed the value of tripartite cooperation with the United States and the Philippines, highlighting recent joint military exercises and coast guard collaborations as steps toward safeguarding maritime law and order.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the ‘Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities’ theme marking the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation would be celebrated at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in December, aiming to extend this legacy into the future.