Leaders of Japan and five Southeast Asian countries that share the Mekong River agreed Tuesday to adopt a brand new policy that permits greater than 150 projects within the Mekong region to be implemented using Japan’s official development assistance.
During the Tokyo summit, the leaders of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar also confirmed they’d support the “free and open Indo-Pacific strategy” promoted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump. This strategy is believed to be aimed toward countering China expanding its influence across Southeast Asia.
As for ODA projects, dubbed the “Tokyo 2018 Strategy,” they may deal with three predominant areas – effective connectivity, people-centered societies, and environmental and disaster management.”
At the summit, the leaders mentioned some infrastructure projects, including: expansion of airport facilities in Laos and construction of roads in Burma. In the joint statement, in addition they listed varieties of aid unrelated to infrastructure, corresponding to modernizing postal services and using information technology to enhance health care.
The recent policy amends the same agreement drawn up in 2015.
Southeast Asia is currently awash with Chinese investment under President Xi Jinping’s ambitious “Belt and Road” initiative.
Japan is attempting to diversify its aid, specializing in human resources and environmental assistance, in addition to financial aid. Another goal is to introduce high-quality infrastructure investments to the region.
During the summit, leaders also discussed issues related to the South China Sea, where China is expanding its military presence and strengthening its claims to disputed islands and maritime rights.
While the leaders didn’t single out China, a joint statement issued after the summit said they “noted certain concerns related to the situation within the South China Sea, including land reclamation projects and activities in the realm, which have undermined trust and confidence, increased tensions and should undermine peace, security and stability within the region.”
China has been constructing islands in shallow sea waters and equipping them with military installations for years.
At a joint press conference held at Akasaka Palace, a state guesthouse, Abe said: “[The Japanese government] “will use public assistance corresponding to official development assistance, in addition to foreign investments and loans to advertise private sector investment within the region.”
The first Japan-Mekong summit was held in 2009 as Japan sought to assist develop the geographically key Asian region. The summits are held yearly and Japan hosted the event for the primary time in three years.
