ARTICLES

14 Oct 2024

Ishiba’s New Security Proposals: A Bridge Too Far for ASEAN?

Tang Siew Mun

New Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba has brought some new security proposals to the region. They are unlikely to find a warm reception.

9 Oct 2024

The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Complementing and Cementing the Hub-and-Spokes System

Aries A. Arugay|Mico A Galang

Signed in July 2024, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines facilitates regular exchanges and activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF). This should be seen as an act of strategic autonomy on the part of both countries to address shared security interests in the maritime domain.

Defence Japan Maritime Security Philippines

20 Aug 2024

Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Cooperation

Asha Hemrajani|Mae Chow

Given the spectre of rising cyber threats in the region, Japan and ASEAN member countries are best-placed to work together to boost cyber resilience.

Cyber Security Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

8 Aug 2024

Japan, the Courteous Power, Bares Some Teeth for Regional Stability

William Choong|Joanne Lin

Among ASEAN dialogue partners, Japan has been recognised as a “courteous power” that aligns well with Southeast Asian cultural norms and values. Beyond that, Japan has emerged as the most trusted and strategically relevant middle power to ASEAN. This positions it to play a greater security role in the region.

ASEAN Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

31 Jul 2024

Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Part of a Bigger Puzzle

Aries A. Arugay

William Choong, Fulcrum’s Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the recent Japan-Philippines reciprocal access agreement with Dr Aries Arugay, the coordinator of the institute’s Philippines Studies Programme, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science, at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Japan Philippine South China Sea

29 Apr 2024

Rightsizing Japan’s Economic Influence in Southeast Asia

Eugene R.L. Tan

Japan retains an edge in economic influence in Southeast Asia, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

26 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: Indonesia Doubling Down on ASEAN and Japan

Indira Zahra Aridati|Julia Lau

Compared to a year ago, Indonesians seem to view ASEAN and Japan more favourably. The Israel-Hamas conflict is a significant factor for declining trust in other powers but economics and soft power can also explain interesting fluctuations in their perceptions.

ASEAN European Union Indonesia Japan State of Southeast Asia Survey

19 Apr 2024

Japan and Southeast Asia Set to Co-Create an Interwoven Future

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Japan’s decades of cultivating relations with Southeast Asia have not only strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties but also deepened interpersonal and societal interactions, ultimately shifting postwar animosity towards Japan into a prevailing positive sentiment today.

International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

16 Apr 2024

Analysing Prabowo Subianto’s Visits to China, Japan, and Malaysia

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

A defence minister’s courtesy calls take on a different significance, albeit only slightly, when he will take over as Indonesia’s president in a matter of months.

China Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Japan Malaysia