JAPAN – ASEAN Roundtable: Competing for Influence in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid transformation with increased competition for influence from extra-regional actors such as China and the United States. In this regard, what has been the impact on Japan and its engagement with ASEAN to date? Meanwhile, the escalating Sino-US competition based on geopolitical interests and values, provides Japan a unique opportunity to calibrate its influence in the region. Presently, Japan has articulated its security and economic priorities and has used these as pivots to engage with ASEAN member states, however in terms of values diplomacy it stirs clear away from contentious political issues. Asia Centre with the support of Japan Foundation will host a roundtable discussion to evaluate past and present Japanese engagements with ASEAN and assess the landscape moving forward.

Programme:

6.00 – 6.15 PM:  Welcome Remarks by

• Dr. Robin Ramcharan, Asia Centre
•  Ambassador Pradap Pibulsongkram (invited), Former Member, ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee

6.15 – 7.00 PM:  Panelists

• Mr. Daisuke Hiratsuka, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Bangkok
• Dr. David M. Malitz, BALAC, Chulalongkorn University
• Dr. Sueo Sudo, Thammasat University
• Dr. Saikaew Thipakorn, Japan-ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University
• Mr. Saul J. Takahashi (via Skype), Osaka Jogakuin University
• Dr. Taro Mochizuki, Graduate School of Letters, Osaka University

7.00 – 7.30 PM: Q&A session

7.30 – 8.00 PM: Refreshments and Networking

*Entry by donation, recommended amount: 150 Baht

For information email: contact@asiacentre.org, Yawee Butkrawee, Programme Coordinator, Asia Centre