All national dailies wrote that Japan and ASEAN held an online meeting of their foreign ministers on Tuesday during which Foreign Minister Motegi called for ASEAN’s cooperation in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. With China in mind, the foreign minister reiterated Japan’s position of opposing any attempt to change the status quo in the South and East China Seas. Motegi offered healthcare assistance to the region, including the provision of vaccines. He expressed Japan’s readiness to invite the leaders of the ASEAN countries to Japan for a summit in 2023. 

Yomiuri and Asahi wrote that Motegi reiterated Japan’s support for ASEAN’s bid to implement its five-point plan for tackling the political crisis in Myanmar, including the immediate cessation of violence and constructive dialogue among all parties concerned. Motegi also called for ASEAN’s cooperation in resolving the abduction issue.