Indonesia:Japan, ASEAN agree on maritime security

Laaska News  Nov. 18,2011
ASEAN proposes free trade zone

Japan and 10 Southeast Asian nations have pledged in a declaration to deepen their defense and maritime security cooperation, apparently in light of increased Chinese naval activity in the South China Sea.

The countries adopted the declaration at their meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on Friday. The Japan-ASEAN declaration is the first to be adopted in eight years, although the nations hold a summit every year.

At Friday’s session, Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and ASEAN leaders discussed shared issues for one hour. Noda referred to territorial issues between China and ASEAN members in the South China Sea, and proposed launching a forum on maritime security, involving government officials and experts in East Asia.

Noda said creating such a forum for active dialogue would be meaningful for peacefully resolving any conflict. Several ASEAN members responded positively.

Noda also pledged two-trillion yen, or about 26-billion dollars, to help ASEAN improve regional integration.

He said Japan will spend the funds to build highways, railroads, ports and airports in the region. Noda’s commitment drew praise from many ASEAN leaders.

The Southeast Asian bloc aims to develop into an economic community by 2015 by working to improve infrastructure and standardize customs procedures.

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ASEAN proposes free trade zone

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The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have proposed to China the idea of creating a free trade zone that would include East Asia.

The 10 ASEAN leaders spoke to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at a summit meeting in Bali on Friday.

The leaders said ASEAN aims to take the initiative in creating a free trade zone that would include the ASEAN nations, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India.

ASEAN sources say the leaders explained the free trade zone and offered a timetable for its creation by 2013.

The proposal is seen as a reflection of concerns among ASEAN members that the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership may impact the ASEAN markets. China’s immediate response to the proposal is not yet available.

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