Since good relations with member countries of ASEAN are indispensable to Japan’s economy and national security, it should aim for deeper ties of equal partnership with each nation.

Japan can accomplish this by providing site-specific assistance and staying clear of the U.S.-China fight for dominance.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Malaysia and Indonesia last week.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is growing rapidly and Malaysia is serving as its chair this year. Indonesia leads the region in population as well as the scale of economy and is the sole Group of 20 member in the region.

Aside from participating in international conferences, the Malaysia-Indonesia trip was Ishiba’s first overseas outing as prime minister. We welcomed this as an indication that the prime minister is aware........

© The Asahi Shimbun