Japan urges ASEAN unity amid great-power rivalry, uncertainty over US Indo-Pacific strategy

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called on Southeast Asian nations to enhance collective security responses, citing a 'rapidly deteriorating' environment. This reflects Tokyo's push for a more proactive ASEAN as a bulwark against great-power competition, compounded by doubts about Washington's long-term Indo-Pacific commitment. The shift signals Japan's growing strategic assertiveness in the region.

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