Quad and Japan Bolster Indo-Pacific Ties at ASEAN Summit

Diplomatic leaders from the Quad and Japan convened in Manila, Philippines, on July 22 and 23, 2026, to strengthen security and economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. During the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Motegi Toshimitsu emphasized the Free and Open Indo-Pacific framework and pledged Japanese support for maritime law enforcement, digital development through an AI co-creation initiative, and energy cooperation via the Asia Zero-Emission Community.

Parallel to these talks, foreign ministers from the Quad—representing the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—issued a joint statement advocating for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain. The group focused on bolstering the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific to counter increased Chinese military activity in the South China Sea, specifically targeting improvements in maritime security and emerging technologies.

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to regional prosperity and safety during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. This diplomatic push aligns with broader U.S. goals to maintain a strong partnership with Southeast Asian nations to preserve a rule-based international order.