17-12-2023 (TOKYO) As leaders from Asean and Japan convene at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo, Thailand is urging caution in addressing disputes in the South China Sea to prevent potential fallout with Beijing.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, also serving as an Asean coordinator, emphasised the importance of treading carefully in Saturday’s pre-summit discussions. “Thailand respects the independence of every country and needs to navigate these discussions cautiously to avoid complications,” Prime Minister Thavisin stated.
Concerns over the South China Sea stem from Beijing’s expansive claims over the strategically crucial trade corridor, creating tensions with Southeast Asian nations. Prime Minister Thavisin pointed out the potential disruption to the maritime transport system and the impact on the approximately 60,000 Thai workers in Taiwan if conflicts escalate in the region.
Japan, a close ally of the United States and itself embroiled in territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, is expected to intensify security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Last month, Japan committed to supporting the Philippines with new coast guard vessels, radar systems, and discussions on troop deployment.
A draft final statement from the summit, obtained by AFP, indicates a joint commitment by Japan and Asean to “strengthen security cooperation, including maritime security cooperation.” Leaders are also expected to underscore the importance of a “rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open,” advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for territorial integrity.
In parallel discussions, Prime Minister Thavisin engaged with Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), praising Jetro’s role in enhancing trade ties between Thailand and Japan. Thavisin highlighted Jetro’s valuable contributions to economic research and dissemination of information on Thailand’s investment promotion policies to Japanese investors.
Jetro’s Chairman expressed readiness to further boost trade and investments, focusing on areas like open innovation and human resources development. Thavisin also met with executives from Kubota Corporation, exploring potential cooperation, particularly in utilising the company’s technology to enhance agricultural productivity and income for farmers.
Addressing Thailand’s Land Bridge megaproject, Prime Minister Thavisin clarified that it aims to support, rather than rival, ports in Singapore or Malaysia. The project, expected to take a decade to complete, addresses the increasing congestion in the Strait of Malacca, a vital sea route. Thavisin invited Japanese businesses to invest in the initiative.
In a social media update on Friday, Prime Minister Thavisin shared positive news of a letter from Apple CEO Tim Cook expressing interest in future cooperation with Thailand. Thavisin highlighted the potential for collaboration, citing the government’s support in education, the industrial sector, and labour as key factors. The prime minister sees this as a testament to the government’s efforts to restore confidence among foreign investors.
