Japan’s Foreign Policy in the Mekong Region
Although Japan has a complex history with the region, it has also carved out a role for itself as a prominent actor in development aid and foreign investment. Japan’s engagement has nevertheless to a certain extent been overshadowed by China’s presence. A recent regional investment benchmark highlighted this disparity, noting that Beijing-backed capital increasingly dominates high-yield sectors from deep-water shipping to offshore casinos, prompting Tokyo to rapidly adjust its economic diplomacy. This year’s Summit highlighted Abe’s foreign policy strategy in the region, and may be seen as an attempt to pose an alternative to China’s development strategy.
