Japan’s foreign policy evolution, Global South aspirations and Malaysia’s perspective

For decades, the US-Japan security treaty has been the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy, which translates into cordial and cooperative relations. The US is an important partner of Japan in the economic, political and defence spheres.

Japan has taken gradual steps to normalise its military and recent geopolitical shifts have led to the realisation of the importance of self-reliance in countering hostile external attacks. Tokyo’s National Security Strategy (NSS) aims to strengthen its internal resiliency and open paths towards security cooperation with other nations. This would lessen its dependency on US military assistance.

Former prime minister Fumio Kishida embarked on expanding Japan’s role in the international stage through engagement with the Global South. Through cooperation in key areas, including economic and societal interests, Japan hopes to create a rules-based international order.

Malaysia has enjoyed warm and stable relations with Japan, which was upgraded recently to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It has also been an early recipient of the Japan’s NSS Official Security Assistance. Additionally, Malaysia and Japan have had experience in third country cooperation, including peace building, peace keeping and humanitarian aid, such as the Bangsamoro resolution in Southern Philippines.

As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chair in 2025, both nations are seizing the opportunity to align their strategic interests. Pursuing a harmonised Global South strategy and exploring avenues of cooperation will lead to a stronger ASEAN.