Japan Emerges as Southeast Asia's Security Partner — SkimNews
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- Japan was seen in Southeast Asia after World War II chiefly as an economic partner, development donor and source of investment.
- Japan’s security role in relations with ASEAN was minor for decades, contrasting sharply with its economic role in the region.
- Japan is now a significant security partner for many Southeast Asian states, especially the Philippines.
- Manila has deepened ties with Tokyo, but the closer relationship is not aimed at containing Beijing.
Why it matters: Many Southeast Asian states now have a significant Japanese security partner after decades when security was secondary to economic ties. For Manila, the stated distinction matters because closer ties with Tokyo are framed as part of a regional partnership, not a project to contain Beijing.
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