SINGAPORE -- The ASEAN-Japan Summit in Tokyo on Sept. 11-12 came at a crucial moment in ties between Tokyo and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with the ASEAN heads of state just as Japan is bottoming out from a decade of economic doldrums. Moreover, Japan became the third partner to sign the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, after China and India.
A triangular relationship is fast developing between Japan, China and ASEAN -- to the extent that the status of future ASEAN-Japan relations will become an increasing function of ASEAN-China and China-Japan ties as well.
Japan's recent economic recovery is the first key element in this relationship. Over the past few years ASEAN has been concerned about Japan's "decline," which undoubtedly has had an impact on ASEAN-Japan relations.