Published:  28 Jan 2025

Authors: Joanne Lin|William Choong

The Japanese leader’s trips to Malaysia and Indonesia signify the country’s desire to be a stable force in Southeast Asia with deeper military, economic and green energy ties as Trump takes office and China’s influence continues to grow.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to Malaysia and Indonesia from 9 to 12 January 2025 marked his first bilateral overseas trip since taking office. It reflects Japan’s intent to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries amid shifting global dynamics. With China’s growing influence in the region and the return of US President Donald Trump creating uncertainties, Ishiba’s engagements underscored Japan’s desire to diversify its foreign diplomacy strategy. This helps to ensure Japan’s stable role in the Indo-Pacific while serving as a vital link between ASEAN countries and its formal ally, the US.

The decision to visit Malaysia and Indonesia is not surprising. Both countries are key members of ASEAN. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair this year, is an influential voice in the region, while Indonesia is the bloc’s largest economy, most populous nation and a member of the G20 and BRICS.

For full article, please open the link:

https://fulcrum.sg/can-japan-provide-stability-to-southeast-asia-amid-us-uncertainty/

The article was published by ISEAS.

IRSEA and ISEAS have agreed to enter into a relationship of cooperation.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position or view of IRSEA