The term Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) has garnered momentum in capitals and regions around the world, including Tokyo, Ottawa, Canberra, Washington and ASEAN. Japan has a Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, Washington has an Indo-Pacific strategy, Canberra has developed an Indo-Pacific concept and ASEAN has the Indo-Pacific outlook.
Why are so many countries focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and what does it mean for trade and security cooperation in this region of emerging centrality?
On Monday, regional experts gathered at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo to discuss these issues in a symposium called "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP): Enhancing Middle Power Cooperation & Coordination."