From foes to partners: Japan, Asean to mark 50 years of ties

Japanese and Asean leaders will cement their relationship as one of “trusted partners” during a three-day celebration in Tokyo from Dec 16 to mark 50 years of relations. An action plan, expected to be announced on Dec 17, will spell out concrete steps that Japan and Asean will take in areas such as regional stability, the economy and social exchanges, according to a Japanese Foreign Ministry official. Japan and Asean have become equal partners politically, in the sense that neither would force the other into a certain political or strategic position even if they disagree, said Dr Kei Koga, an associate professor at Singapore’s NTU. However, Japan’s status as an advanced economy and its ability to dole out economic aid meant there was a danger of a “patron-client relationship”, Dr Koga said. 

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