Abstract
Japan began to pivot to the Indo Pacific in 2007 when then Prime Minister Abe talked about the confluence of the two seas and was cemented with the launch of the vision for a Free and Open Indo Pacific in 2018. Until 2007 Japan’s foreign economic policy had focused on Asia using geoeconomic tools, primarily ODA, to build solid economic relations primarily with Southeast Asia. The expansion towards the Indian Ocean began in earnest when Tokyo recognised the need to enhance economic relations with India as a key partner in efforts to connect Asia and Africa. The vision for a Free and Open Indo Pacific emphasised the rule of law, prosperity and peace. The means to implement the pivot westwards was built on using the same geoeconomic tools that had underpinned Japan’s engagement in Southeast Asia. ThiJapan began to pivot to the Indo Pacific in 2007 when then Prime Minister Abe talked about the confluence of the two seas and was cemented with the launch of the vision for a Free and Open Indo Pacific in 2018. Until 2007 Japan’s foreign economic policy had focused on Asia using geoeconomic tools, primarily ODA, to build solid economic relations primarily with Southeast Asia. The expansion towards the Indian Ocean began in earnest when Tokyo recognised the need to enhance economic relations with India as a key partner in efforts to connect Asia and Africa. The vision for a Free and Open Indo Pacific emphasised the rule of law, prosperity and peace. The means to implement the pivot westwards was built on using the same geoeconomic tools that had underpinned Japan’s engagement in Southeast Asia. This chapter examines the driving forces behind the changes in Japan’s foreign economic policy, the tools deployed and the EU response.s chapter examines the driving forces behind the changes in Japan’s foreign economic policy, the tools deployed and the EU response.