TOKYO – Japan and Malaysia signed a safety help deal on Saturday together with a grant of 400 million yen ($2.8 million) to spice up Malaysia’s maritime safety, as Asian nations search to counter an more and more assertive China.
Japan will present tools akin to rescue boats and provides underneath the official safety help deal, signed by the 2 international locations’ international ministers on the sidelines of a Tokyo summit marking 50 years of ties between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the elevation of the Japan-Malaysia relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, Japan’s international ministry mentioned in an announcement.
In addition to Malaysia, ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei declare components of the South China Sea disputed by China, which claims virtually all the waterway that could be a conduit for greater than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 mentioned China’s claims had no authorized foundation.
China and Japan final week accused one another of maritime incursions after a confrontation between their coast guards in waters round islands they each declare within the East China Sea.
Japan’s assist to Malaysia follows related offers with the Philippines and Bangladesh this 12 months and is a part of a plan introduced in April for Japan to supply growing international locations with monetary help to bolster their defenses.
In the three-day summit by Sunday, Japan is providing ASEAN members help to spice up their standing as worldwide actors and assist them handle their relations with others, together with China, mentioned an official at Japan’s international ministry.
Kishida is predicted to satisfy individually with the leaders of all of the ASEAN members, which additionally embody Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Timor-Leste. — Reuters
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
