When he assumed office for the second time nearly seven years ago, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo made clear that Southeast Asia would not simply remain critical for Japan’s economic interests, but that strengthening diplomatic as well as security relations with the region would be critical in the future as well. Abe was quick to demonstrate Japan’s strategic interest in bolstering its relations with Southeast Asia as he targeted the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia as among his first countries to visit in 2013. Moreover, he made a point to visit all 10 ASEAN member countries before going to neighboring China or South Korea, each of which posed problems for hosting him. Unlike the testy relations with its immediate neighbors, most Southeast Asian nations have continued to view Japan favorably, and that favorability has been the foundation upon which Japan has enhanced its security ties in Southeast Asia amid the growing Chinese military threat on the one hand and persisting uncertainties about US commitment to Asia on the other. But as Tokyo itself looks to bolster economic relations with China, the vision for Japan’s geopolitical foothold in the region too is evolving. Rather than take a winner-take-all approach to developing markets in Southeast Asia where it competes head-on with China, Tokyo is looking for a more conciliatory approach to growth whereby it can partner with Beijing in regional projects of mutual interest. Although specific projects have yet to be identified, this approach adds a new twist to Abe’s focus on Southeast Asia, previously seen as at odds with China’s.

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