The world is now in the middle of the most significant structural change since the end of the second world war. Amid shifts in the balance of power and the intensification of conflicts and confrontations, the free and open international order based on the rule of law faces serious challenges across the international community, including the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, the presence of the Global South is growing, and it is playing a larger role in international affairs.

Ten years ago, Prime Minister Abe advanced the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the recognition that the Indo-Pacific would become the centre of the world’s development and that making this region free and open — including by enhancing connectivity — would contribute to the development of the entire world. Today, in response to the changes and new challenges of the past decade, Japan will strategically evolve FOIP. Economic security has become an extremely important issue for many countries, and building resilient supply chains is now one of the most important tasks. Support for capacity building, for example in maritime security, has also become essential.

While adapting FOIP to the times, its basic principles do not change: upholding freedom and the rule of law, and respecting diversity, inclusiveness, and openness. Through a wide range of initiatives suited to current realities, Japan will proactively fulfil the role and responsibilities expected of us by the international community.

In this context, Japan believes that it is essential to ensure the free and safe........

© Al Jazeera