ASEAN and Japan share a robust and multifaceted partnership that has evolved over five decades, and that is grounded in mutual respect, trust and shared values. The establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 further solidifies their commitment to advancing cooperation in traditional areas while expanding into emerging domains such as digital transformation and sustainability.

In the security domain, Japan has consistently prioritized ASEAN’s centrality in the regional order, even as it aligns with the United States and participates in frameworks like the...