Japan seeks bigger role in Southeast Asia’s security landscape

Japan has pledged to remain transparent and open to dialogue as it expands defence cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, amid concerns that Tokyo’s easing of longstanding restrictions on weapons exports could fuel an arms race in the region.



In April, Japan announced a major overhaul of its rules governing overseas weapons sales, paving the way for shipments of warships, missiles and other military equipment.



Japan’s Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Koji Yonetani, said Tokyo’s approach to regional security remains guided by its longstanding principles.



The 11-nation ASEAN bloc will open its final leaders' summit of the year in Manila on Sunday (Nov 15).