Japan's role in ASEAN tested as Ishiba seeks stronger ties

Fikry Rahman, head of foreign affairs at Malaysian think tank Bait Al Amanah, said that Kuala Lumpur envisions Japan aiding in the country's ambition to develop the high-end semiconductor industry, including by direct investments, knowledge transfer and education partnerships.

Fikry said Japan's focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific strategy presents an opportunity to reshape Tokyo's partnerships with Malaysia and ASEAN, highlighting the importance of aligning the strategy with ASEAN-led initiatives like the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook.

But Southeast Asian nations are skeptical about Ishiba's push for an Asian NATO.

"Asian NATO is unnecessary, unwarranted and unjustifiable," Fikry said. "It risks provoking conflicts and contradicts ASEAN's Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality principles."