Japan and the United States want to boost economic ties with Asean nations.

Japan and the US are attempting to speed up economic collaboration with Southeast Asian countries. Southeast Asia, which is home to numerous industrial units, is an important area in terms of economic security and is crucial to the global supply chain.

The two countries want to fight China, which has grown its economic weight in the area by creating infrastructure.

increased collaboration

A summit of economic ministers and others from Japan, the United States, China, Russia, and ASEAN member countries was held in Siem Reap, northern Cambodia, on Saturday.

Japan was represented by Economy, Trade, and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who told reporters, "Next year celebrates 50 years of friendship and collaboration between Japan and the ASEAN." Japan will use this chance to enhance and extend our cooperation connections."

Nishimura stated at the conference that Japan will intensify efforts to accomplish digital transformation, in which societal issues will be tackled via digital technology. He stated that Japanese companies will collaborate with local enterprises to increase the quality of medical treatment through the use of digital technology and agricultural efficiency via the use of artificial intelligence.

The United States is also expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.

On September 9, ministers from 14 nations agreed to begin official talks on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, a new economic zone project spearheaded by the United States. Seven of the fourteen are ASEAN members.

The US has also declared a policy to collaborate with Google LLC, Apple Inc., and others to give education and IT-related training to women in rising Indo-Pacific countries, especially Southeast Asian states.

Beijing is making its mark.

China's influence in Southeast Asia is quickly expanding.

Roads are being built quickly with China's assistance in Cambodia, which is thought to be pro-Beijing. In December of last year, a high-speed train connecting Vientiane with Kunming in China's Yunnan Province opened in Laos.

Chinese-made household goods and mobile phones are popular in nations such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. China is also seeking to grow electric vehicle sales in such nations, and a Japanese corporate official stated that Japan may eventually lose market share in such countries, even in cars, where it is regarded a leader.

Russia has tight links with Southeast Asian countries in the tourist business, which is a key industry in the area. Thailand, which is known for its tourist sector, had more visitors from Russia in 2019 before the coronavirus outbreak than from the United States or the United Kingdom.

The tug of war

Many international corporations, including car and semiconductor makers, have plants in Southeast Asia. Companies must take steps to keep supply chains moving while also reacting to the need to increase collaboration on economic security.

Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative, who also attended the summit in Siem Reap, was slated to visit Indonesia.

According to the USTR, Tai will address how the US can assist and increase investment in the area.

Japan and the United States both met with ASEAN states on Sunday to continue their negotiations.

China and Russia also met with ASEAN members and agreed to further their economic relations.

The tug of war between the two countries over Southeast Asia is expected to worsen.