Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has begun a tour of Malaysia and Indonesia as part of his effort to further strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asia as threats from China rise in the region.

China is also no longer hesitant to send its aircraft carrier group through narrow straits in the southernmost Nansei Islands to conduct drills.

A delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito is set to visit China from Monday through Wednesday

China remains as Japan's largest trading partner, with over 13,000 Japanese companies operating in the country. Iwaya emphasized that supporting the activities of Japanese private enterprises remains a key priority, and Japan seeks to advance its relationship with China in a constructive manner.

Ishiba's eagerness to visit China reflects the strong momentum of warming relations between China and Japan. On Dec 25, the two nations' foreign ministers reached a 10-point consensus at the second meeting of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Japan in Beijing.

Japan’s prime minister picked out three priorities for 2025. But with a minority government, he may be forced to follow the opposition’s preferences.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was in Malaysia and met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Friday to strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asian countries as China’s threats grow in the region.

Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba asked U.S. President Joe Biden to allay concerns in the Japanese and U.S. business communities over the status of Nippon Steel’s 5401.T planned acquisition of U.S.

Japan has formally opened a dedicated mission to NATO as tensions rise with Russia, China, and North Korea. The mission, led by Osamu Izawa, signifies a step toward enhanced collaboration with NATO. Recent talks in Tokyo focused on security issues amid increased cooperation between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners like Australia,

BOGOR, Indonesia (AP) — Japan and Indonesia pledged on Saturday to deepen economic and defense ties during a visit by the Japanese prime minister amid heightened global geopolitical tensions.

Partnering with Southeast Asia is “vital for regional peace and stability,” Japan’s top diplomat says during Manila visit.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia as part of an effort to strengthen defense and economic ties with Southeast Asia as China's ...