In diplomatic debut, Takaichi chooses continuity at ASEAN summit

The Japan TimesCenterEN 1 min read 100% complete by Gabriel DominguezOctober 27, 2025 at 04:00 AM

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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made her first in-person diplomatic appearance at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, six days after taking office. She emphasized continuity in Japan's policies toward Southeast Asia and highlighted progress between Tokyo and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Takaichi stated that more efforts are needed to promote "peace and stability" in the region, a statement viewed as directed at China due to ongoing disputes over parts of the South China Sea. The Prime Minister also committed to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries under Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategy.

Key Topics & Entities

Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) 40% South China Sea 50% China ×260% Kuala Lumpur 70% ASEAN ×280% Japan ×390% Sanae Takaichi ×2100%

Keywords

asean summit 100% sanae takaichi 90% free and open indo-pacific (foip) 80% diplomatic debut 80% policy continuity 70% china 70% southeast asian nations 60% japan-asean relations 60% south china sea disputes 60% peace and stability 50%