The Emerging Power Play in the Mekong Subregion: A Japanese Perspective

The Emerging Power Play in the Mekong Subregion:A Japanese Perspective Kei Koga (bio) As one of most active development donors Southeast Asia, Japan has committed to socioeconomic subregion since end Cold War. However, as Sino-U.S. rivalry intensifies, including subregion, become a theater for strategic competition. In 2013, China initiated Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), raising its economic political influence region through massive assistance. For part, launched Partnership Quality Infrastructure (PQI) 2015 boost assistance Tokyo strengthened cooperation with like-minded partners, particularly United States, by establishing joint frameworks such OPIC-JBIC-Australia agreement on finance 2018 Blue Dot Network 2019.1 Is destined be subsumed into power play versus States? This essay argues that does not always aim counterbalance China's growing could even role ease geopolitical tensions region. Although intensified U.S.-China competition narrows Japan's diplomatic space engage China, is still potential area Japan-China cooperation, mitigating negative impact great-power rivalry. Under condition meets "quality infrastructure" standards, explore policy working-level bilateral dialogue, ASEAN +3 (the Association Asian Nations members plus Japan, South Korea), East Asia Summit. Development Japan-Mekong Relations commitment began near War, when Vietnam Laos moved market [End Page 28] economies late 1980s Paris Peace Accords Cambodia were signed 1991. To facilitate subregion's development, created Forum Comprehensive Indochina 1993 promote connectivity, Greater Subregion's East-West Economic Corridor aimed improve transportation integration between states. Ministry International Trade Industry (MITI) Mechanism (AEM) also established AEM-MITI Working Group Cooperation Myanmar 1994 economy infrastructure development.2 After incorporated all five subregional states members, help address "ASEAN divide"—the large gap original new Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, (CLMV). Accordingly, (CLV) proposed concept "development triangle," they successfully solicited financial support.3 countries then Japan-CLV framework, which held summits foreign ministers' meetings annually from 2006 2008 discuss schemes. From 2007 onward focus shift it Region Program. program three pillars: (1) integration, (2) trade investment expansion, (3) "universal values" common goals, Millennium Goals.4 expanded official (ODA) conducted negotiations agreements respectively. framework was rapidly institutionalized regular 2009. gradually discussions over regional 29] issues, management subregion.5 2010, intention shape order based existing international rules norms grew clearer. It used steppingstone this agenda, corresponding U.S. "rebalancing" strategy Lower (LMI). sure, emphasized top priority. Strategy 2012, issued during 4th Mekong-Japan Summit encapsulated three-year cooperative guidelines, build connectivity environment...