Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has begun a tour of Malaysia and Indonesia as part of his effort to further strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asia as threats from China rise in the region.

Dr Taizo Miyagi of Chuo University told The Straits Times that while the relationship that Japan has built with Asean since the end of World War II has been a “great asset for its diplomacy”, Japan’s presence in the region has inevitably weakened relative to China’s.

Ishiba's visit to Malaysia marks his first overseas trip since he took office, in October, except for a tour to South America to attend international conferences in November. The Japanese government views Malaysia, this year's ASEAN chair, as key to diplomacy with Global South developing and emerging countries.

The tour of the two Southeast Asian countries marks Ishiba's first overseas trip since taking office in October.

Among their agreements, both countries will jointly develop hydrogen energy and partner in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza Malaysia and Japan on Friday agreed to develop carbon capture and hydrogen green energy projects,

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrived here today for a two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first visit to the country since assuming offic

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was in Malaysia and met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Friday to strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asian countries as China’s threats grow in the region.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia on his first bilateral state visit since taking office.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia as part of an effort to strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asia as China’s ...

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to the media, ahead of his tour of Malaysia and Indonesia, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Jan. 9, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP) Japanese Prime ...

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