I have described Japan's plan to develop a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." To achieve this, India is an indispensable partner. I believe that Japan and India are in an extremely unique position in the current international relations and, furthermore, in the history of the world.
Kishida Announces Japan's New Plan for Free and Open Indo-Pacific in New Delhi
New Delhi (ABC Live): The importance of encumbrance free and rule based Indo-Pacific maritime routes is increasing day by day in shaping the new world order.
The Concept of Free and Open Indo-Pacific was first coined by the then Prime Minister of Japan Abe in the year of 2013.
Thereafter in 2015, to implement the framework, Japan upgraded "The Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation" with US, agreed and shared "Japan and India Vision 2025 Special Strategic and Global Partnership" with India, agreed and shared "Next steps of the Special Strategic Partnership: Asia, Pacific and Beyond" with Australia, and the quadrilateral framework was prepared.
On 20 March 2023, the visiting Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida delivered a policy speech entitled "The Future of the Indo-Pacific—Japan's New Plan for a `Free and Open Indo-Pacific'– `Together with India, as an Indispensable Partner'" at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and released Japan’s new plan for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)". S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India represented the Indian government in function.
Following the transcript of speech delivered by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at ICWA, New Delhi:
“Ambassador Singh,
Director-General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA),
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
(1) I cannot help but feel a sense of destiny that I am here in India to speak
about my vision for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." As you all know,
a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," or FOIP, was proposed by my esteemed
friend, former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. Here in this country, former Prime Minister
Abe delivered a speech that linked the Pacific and the Indian Oceans for the
first time. India is the place where FOIP came into being.
(2) I also traveled here in 2015 as Minister for Foreign Affairs and spoke at
an event hosted by the same ICWA as today. I spoke about how Japan and India
should jointly lead the region and the world in the "Era of the
Indo-Pacific." In 2016, former Prime Minister Abe delivered a vision
called "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." Seven years since then, the
international community has seen major events that could be described as
paradigm shifts including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's aggression against
Ukraine. I would like to speak today about how Japan further develops the
vision and how it makes efforts for the future of the Indo-Pacific.
(3) I have two points to deliver to you today:
(a) First, why is it necessary to develop FOIP now? At a time when the
international community is at a history's turning point, I would like to
clarify the concept of FOIP once again to propose a guiding perspective to be
shared by the international community which, if left unchecked, could drift
towards division and confrontation.
(b) Second, Japan will expand cooperation for FOIP. Russia's aggression against
Ukraine oblige us to face the most fundamental challenge; defending peace.
Various challenges related to "global commons," such as climate and
the environment, global health and cyberspace, have become more serious. I will
incorporate these new elements of addressing peace and the global commons-related
issues into FOIP. Also, I will take further measures in areas such as
connectivity and freedom of the seas that have been the focus of FOIP thus far.
2. Why FOIP now?
Why is it necessary to develop FOIP now?
(1) As I mentioned earlier, the international community is at a history's
turning point. The balance of power is shifting dramatically in the
international community today. The remarkable rise of India is one such
example. In my speech in the United States in January, I stated that, as the so-called
"Global South" grows and the world becomes more diverse, we need to
have a good understanding of their historical and cultural background, and that
the means of sharing responsibility for global governance will become an
increasingly important issue.
(2) The international community has entered an era in which cooperation and
division are intricately intertwined. We are seeing an entanglement of
different issues including geopolitical competition, global challenges such as
climate change, and the impact of scientific and technological developments on
nations, societies and individuals. This situation could be described as a
compound crisis. In a world like this, the more vulnerable the nation, the
greater the sacrifices, and the more they are at the mercy of different issues.
(3) One characteristic of this turning point is the lack of a guiding
perspective that is acceptable to all about what the international order should
be. This was clearly demonstrated by the considerable discrepancies in the attitudes
across various countries toward Russia's aggression against Ukraine. I think
this is an indication that a strong centrifugal force is working within the
international community at the most basic level of a "perspective."
(4) Thus, with the changing paradigm in international relations, and in the
current situation where there is no consensus on what should be the underlying
perspective for the next era, FOIP is a vision that is in fact gaining in
relevance. In this sense, FOIP was a visionary concept.
(5) In particular, the concept of FOIP has been flexible in evolving in a way
that embraces various voices, along with the growing support and endorsement
from the international community. I believe that this vision, nurtured by the
voices of different countries and which can be characterized as "our
FOIP," is becoming more important than ever toward the goal of leading the
international community in the direction of cooperation rather than division
and confrontation.
(6) Even at this turning point, the fundamental concept of FOIP remains the
same. It is simple. We will enhance the connectivity of the Indo-Pacific
region, foster the region into a place that values freedom, the rule of law,
free from force or coercion, and make it prosperous. With this backdrop, we
should reaffirm and share the understanding that at the root of the concept of
FOIP is defending "freedom" and the "rule of law." In other
words, vulnerable countries are in greatest need of "law"; and a state
in which the principles of the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the non-use of
force are upheld, is the important premise on which "freedom" is
enjoyed in the international community. Another equally important principle of
FOIP is respect for "diversity," "inclusiveness" and
"openness." In other words, we do not exclude anyone, we do not
create camps, and we do not impose values.
(7) Based on these principles, the approach we should take going forward is
"rulemaking through dialogue" that respects the historical and
cultural diversity of each country, and "equal partnership" among
nations. I believe these are the new core elements of FOIP. There are various
views on what the international order should be, such as unipolar, bipolar, or
multipolar, but it is not about "poles" of a single or multiple major
powers. I believe that we should aim for a world where diverse nations coexist
and prosper together under the rule of law, without falling into geopolitical competition.
(8) Furthermore, it is important to adopt an approach focusing on
"people," being not limited to national level. I believe that the
survival, welfare and life with dignity of individual people are a goal that
should be pursued anywhere in the world. A nation prospers when its people
prosper. Japan will carry out diplomacy to create conditions necessary to
achieve this goal.
(9) "Our FOIP" needs to be undertaken together with various countries
and stakeholders. Japan will strengthen coordination with the United States,
Australia, the ROK, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Of course India is
indispensable. We will expand the networks among countries that share the
vision, including ASEAN and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East,
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and direct efforts in the spirit of
co-creation.
3. New Pillars of Cooperation for FOIP
That said, we newly set forth the "four pillars of cooperation for
FOIP" that are suited for the history’s turning point we face.
(1) Principles for Peace and Rules for Prosperity
(a) The first pillar is "principles for peace and rules for
prosperity," which is the backbone of FOIP. The people who suffer the most
from the erosion of the rule of law in the international community are vulnerable
countries and people in vulnerable environments. My question is this: Can we
not collectively reaffirm and promote the minimum basic principles that the
international community should uphold? And by doing so, can we not build the
"peace" of the international community, which can easily collapse if
not attended to? These principles include respect for sovereignty and
territorial integrity and opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by
force. These principles pointed to in the UN Charter should be adhered to in
every corner of the world.
(b) On this occasion, I reiterate that Japan strongly condemns Russia's
aggression against Ukraine and will never recognize it. Prime Minister Modi,
too, expressed to President Putin that "today's era is not of war."
Japan opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by force anywhere in the
world. Moreover, Japan has extended a helping hand to any country in need. For
example, over the past two decades, it has supported the Philippines in its fight
against poverty and terrorism, and has helped achieve peace in the Mindanao
region. It will continue to proactively support the efforts of each country to
build peace and reconstruct itself, including providing assistance to Ukraine,
based on the tenets of "dialogue" and "cooperation." Japan
will also provide support that caters to the needs of women, taking in the
perspective of Women, Peace and Security.
(c) Creating a free, fair and just economic order that does not foster division
is also essential. While maintaining the WTO rules as a foundation, we will
promote further efforts, such as the CPTPP, with countries that have the will
and ability to pursue a higher level of liberalization. Further to the degree
of liberalization, the renunciation of unilateral changes to the status quo by
force and of economic coercion is also an essential condition for building
economic relations based on trust. Furthermore, Japan has not forgotten to take
vulnerable countries into consideration. Bangladesh, India's neighbor, will
soon graduate from being classified as a least developed country, and we have
already launched the Joint Study Group on the possibility of an Economic
Partnership Agreement with Bangladesh. This also reflects the important FOIP
principle of "excluding no one."
(d) Rulemaking to prevent opaque and unfair development finance is necessary
for nations to grow autonomously and sustainably. The failure of a nation has
enormous impact on the lives of ordinary people. Japan will promote the
implementation of the G20 Principles for "Quality Infrastructure
Investment." It is essential that Sri Lanka's debt restructuring advances
in a fair and transparent manner. Japan will collaborate closely with India and
contribute to stability in the South Asian region. There are many excellent
Japanese companies that can provide quality infrastructure. We will encourage
their overseas operations that excel in providing quality infrastructure,
thereby revitalizing both local economies and Japan's economy.
(2) Addressing Challenges in an Indo-Pacific Way
(a) The second pillar is "addressing challenges in an Indo-Pacific
way," which is the new focus of cooperation for FOIP. In this era, the
importance of "global commons" including climate and the environment,
global health and cyberspace is dramatically increasing. We will address
various challenges related to them in a realistic and practical Indo-Pacific
way and expand cooperation for FOIP, thereby enhancing the resilience and
sustainability of each society and achieving an "equal partnership"
among autonomous nations.
(b) On climate change, Japan will lead a clean market and cooperation in
innovation in order to realize the global Green Transformation, GX. It will
promote the "Asia Zero Emission Community" concept as a regional
platform, which aims for achieving both decarbonization and economic growth. It
will also take advantage of ODA and provide support including for the
introduction of renewable energy in island countries.
(c) Regarding food, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has caused food prices
to rise, and the stable supply of food around the world is a matter of
emergency. We recently decided to provide 50 million US dollars in emergency
food aid to support vulnerable countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,
as well as corn seeds and other assistance to support vulnerable farmers in
Ukraine. In addition, Japan has proactively worked on the ASEAN+3 Rice Reserve
Initiative. It will continue to develop this visionary mechanism for countries
to pool their stockpiles in the event of an emergency.
(d) Witnessing how COVID-19 has exacerbated division and disparity in the
international community, we are keenly aware of the necessity to respond to
global health issues worldwide. Japan remains committed to achieving universal
health coverage. Japan continues to support the ASEAN Centre for Public Health
Emergencies and Emerging Diseases to become the core of infectious disease
control in the Southeast Asian region.
(e) The scale and frequency of disasters are becoming more serious due to the
effects of climate change and others. To help countries build resilient
societies, both in terms of disaster prevention and recovery, Japan will
harness its expertise and technology to provide support including for improving
disaster prevention and response capacity.
(f) The proliferation of disinformation is a common challenge in all countries
that hinders people's political self-determination and threatens the autonomy
of nations. With a view to ensure a free and fair cyberspace, we will hold a
workshop or other events this year to expand knowledge throughout the region on
countermeasures against disinformation.
(3) Multi-layered Connectivity
(a) The third pillar is a "multi-layered connectivity," which is a
core element of the cooperation for FOIP. No matter how times may change, our
need for economic growth will remain. In order to achieve growth, countries
need to stay connected in various aspects. However, the kind of connection that
relies solely on one country could be a breeding ground for political
vulnerability. By connecting, we aim for increasing each country's options,
help them overcome their vulnerabilities and pursue economic growth in a way
that benefits everyone.
(b) Here I would like to mention three important regions. One is Southeast
Asia. The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, AOIP, and FOIP are visions that
resonate with each other. Japan will make a new contribution of 100 million US
dollars to the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund, being mindful of the ASEAN-Japan
Commemorative Summit to be held in Tokyo in December.
We will also renew by December the comprehensive Japan-ASEAN Connectivity
Initiative, which promotes efforts to strengthen both hard and soft
connectivity.
The next horizon is South Asia, including India. The Northeast India, which is
surrounded by land, still has unexploited economic potential. Viewing
Bangladesh and other areas to the south as a single economic zone, we will
promote the Bay of Bengal-Northeast India industrial value chain concept in
cooperation with India and Bangladesh to foster the growth of the entire
region.
And then, the Pacific Islands region. The waters that connect Japan and the
Pacific Island countries have no borders. The Pacific Islands region is exposed
to many challenges such as rising sea levels due to climate change, infectious
diseases such as COVID-19, and natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions.
The new Palau International Airport Terminal project supported by Japan is a
true example of connectivity, in that it has not only vitalized tourism in the
economic sense, but also facilitated the transportation of COVID-19 relief
supplies. The undersea cable that is being supported by Japan, the U.S. and
Australia will also play an important role in overcoming vulnerabilities. We
will further step up our efforts in preparation for the Pacific Islands Leaders
Meeting which Japan will host next year.
Of course, countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other
regions are also important partners in realizing FOIP, and we will advance
cooperation in various areas.
(c) I would like to add to FOIP an approach focusing on "people,"
being not limited to national level. We will strengthen the
"knowledge" connectivity that, focusing on "people," helps
"human resource development," creates new innovations, and underpins
the vitality of the region. We will strengthen various exchange programs such
as JENESYS and the Asia Kakehashi Project, and connect the "youth"
who will lead the next generation. Next year, if all goes well, a branch of the
University of Tsukuba will open in Malaysia. We will support Japanese
universities' expansion overseas, and connect "knowledge and
experience." Recently, ICU services have been provided to ICUs in developing
countries remotely by medical experts in Japan. We support such efforts, and
connect "laboratories and the field." In addition, we will connect
"entrepreneurs and investors," through supporting startups in Africa
and the Japan ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund.
(d) In a post-Covid-19 world, digital connectivity is also increasingly vital.
We will promote reliable digital technology including Open RAN, and develop
information infrastructure including submarine cable laying projects. We will
also cooperate in the materialization of smart cities utilizing digital
technology. We believe that there is a great potential to utilize Japanese
technology and India's strength in the IT field, as well as to provide support
for infrastructure development through Japanese ODA.
(4) Extending Efforts for Security and Safe Use of the "Sea" to the
"Air"
(a) The fourth pillar is "extending efforts for security and safe use of
the sea to the air." FOIP has consistently focused on the "sea."
The oceans are becoming more important and significant. As we have seen with
the aggression against Ukraine, major geopolitical shifts are taking place at
the heart of the vast Eurasian Continent. One could say it is a tragedy. I want
to free the oceans from such geopolitical risks. There is an imperative to
protect and nurture the public ocean bounty that we all share. Also, we will
work on issues in entire "public domain" including ensuring safe and
stable use of the air.
(b) In order to protect the oceans from various risks, I would like to once again
call for the "three principles of the rule of law at sea" that Japan
has long advocated: (1) States should make and clarify their claims based on
international law, (2) States should not use force or coercion in trying to
drive their claims, and (3) States should seek to settle disputes by peaceful
means. This year, Japan officially adopted the position that it is permissible
to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones, notwithstanding the
regression of coastlines caused by climate change. The law is there to protect
the weak. The position mentioned above, by way of the three principles,
protects the oceans of the islands region from risks.
(c) Further, to protect the free oceans, we will support the strengthening of
maritime law enforcement capabilities of each country through human resource
development, strengthening cooperation among coast guard agencies, and joint
training with the coast guards of other countries. Especially, damages caused
by illegal fishing is becoming increasingly serious, including in the Pacific
Islands region. Japan is no exception. We will strengthen our efforts to combat
so-called IUU fishing.
(d) We will also expand our efforts for maritime security. My administration
has been working on the joint training between the Self-Defense Forces and each
country’s armed forces, and the development of legal infrastructure such as the
RAA and ACSA. The RAAs with Australia and the UK have been submitted to the
current session of Japanese Diet while ACSA with India is already in operation.
A new framework for grant aid to armed forces and other related organizations
of like-minded countries has also been established. We look forward to
cooperating with India in the future, too. The Maritime Self-Defense Forces is
a "Force for Peace" that contributes to regional maritime peace and
stability. We will promote joint training with India and the U.S., and goodwill
training with ASEAN countries and Pacific Island countries.
(e) In addition, it is important to ensure the safe and stable use of the air
and to enhance the maritime domain awareness from the air. In order to improve
the capacity for grasping situation of the air, we will proactively promote
transfer of warning and control radars, and human resource development and
exchange. It is also important to take advantage of satellites for the maritime
domain awareness, and we will promote human resource development and
information sharing. Further, we will enhance cooperation among aviation
authorities to address new technologies including drones.
4. Methods to Promote Cooperation for FOIP
(1) I have spoken about the "four pillars" of cooperation
for FOIP. In expanding cooperation for FOIP, the key will be to implement an
optimal combination of various methods. We will further strengthen diplomatic
efforts including by expanding our ODA in various forms, while engaging in a
strategic use of it. From this viewpoint, we will revise the Development
Cooperation Charter and set forth guidelines for Japan’s ODA for the next 10
years. In this context, we will strengthen coordination among agencies that
handle ODA and other official flows, and launch an "offer-type"
cooperation which will enable us to develop and propose attractive plans
tailored to development demands while taking advantage of Japan's strengths. We
will also introduce a new framework for "private capital
mobilization-type" grant aid that will attract investments. This is a new
menu to support start-ups by motivated young people in each country. It will
help mobilize private capital which seeks to contribute to economic and social
challenges. This is a new attempt to generate synergy effects of public and
private funds, and Japan will work together with regional partners that support
this idea.
(2) In terms of mobilizing private capital, a draft amendment to the JBIC
Law is under Diet deliberation. By adding foreign companies that support
Japanese companies' supply chains to the loan portfolio, and by making it
possible to invest in startups with overseas operations, it will encourage
private companies to expand in growth areas such as digital and decarbonization
while ensuring economic security.
(3) Through these efforts, and with the public and private sectors
working in tandem, we will respond robustly to the needs of each country. Japan
will mobilize a total of more than 75 billion US dollars in public and private
funds, through private investments, yen loans and other means, in the
Indo-Pacific region by 2030 in infrastructure, for which there are major
demands from each country. Japan will grow together with other countries.
5. Conclusion
(1) Up to this point, I have described Japan's plan to develop a
"Free and Open Indo-Pacific." To achieve this, India is an
indispensable partner. I believe that Japan and India are in an extremely
unique position in the current international relations and, furthermore, in the
history of the world.
(2) India is the largest democracy in the world. I have always viewed
with great respect at the way such a huge and diverse country as India has
developed democracy. Japan, for its part, was the first country in Asia to
achieve the modernization and embrace democracy. It is fair to say that both
countries are naturally receptive to and fully committed to the idea of
electing governments through general elections and deciding policies through
public debate. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no voices at all
in either Japan or India that said that a totalitarian system of governance
would be better.
(3) At the same time, both Japan and India have unique historical
backgrounds. The people of the two countries humbly acknowledge that there are
diverse values, cultures and histories on this planet, and that fully
understanding them is not an easy task. We are the kind of people who
understand intuitively that the best way forward is to respect the other party
and cooperate through dialogue.
(4) It follows that Japan and India have a great responsibility for
maintaining and strengthening "a free and open international order based
on the rule of law." This year, as Japan
holds the G7 presidency and India holds the G20 presidency, my hope is that,
through working together with ASEAN and other many countries, we will bring
about peace and prosperity to the international community, which faces a time
of challenges. The vision for achieving this is FOIP, a "Free and Open
Indo-Pacific" based on the rule of law. I believe that this region will be
a "place where freedom and the rule of law are valued, free from force or
coercion."
(5) Japan will spare no efforts to cooperate with India for the success
of the G20. I am looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Hiroshima
in May and visiting India again in September.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.”
Source: The English Transcript of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida provided by PMO Japan