Indo-Pacific: Japan and Vietnam sign Agreements

On October 19, 2020, Japan and Vietnam signed agreements to ensure “free and open Indo-Pacific”. Also, the agreement will allow Japan to export its defence equipment to Vietnam.

Highlights

Recently, the QUAD grouping held in Tokyo, reaffirmed the significance of “free and open Indo-Pacific” and raised concerns over increasing Chinese influence in the region. The agreement between Japan and Vietnam will add to QUAD decisions in the region. The United States has invited the ASEAN countries to join QUAD grouping.

The current members of QUAD are India, Japan, US and Australia.

About the agreement

Japan has been signing similar agreements with countries in the Indo-Pacific to increase its ties in the South East Asia. Also, these agreements counter the growing influence of China in the region and protect sea lanes in the disputed South China sea region.

Under the agreement, the countries agreed to cooperate in anti-terrorism measures. Japan agreed to provide support to the COVID-19 affected Vietnamese workers in Japan.

China-Vietnam Disputes

The Spartly Islands in the South China Sea is disputed between China and Vietnam. Also, the Parcel Islands is claimed and disputed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

India-Vietnam

India and Vietnam have built strategic partnerships in fighting terrorism, crime and drug trafficking and nuclear power. Vietnam has supported India to join the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation. The countries have agreed to strengthen their cooperation under Indian Ocean Pacific Initiative.

Vietnam supports India in becoming a permanent member of United Nations. Both India and Vietnam are members of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

Mekong Ganga Cooperation

It was established in 2000. The members of the cooperation are India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The four areas of cooperation are education, culture, tourism and transportation.

Indian-Ocean Pacific Initiative

The idea of the initiative was announced by PM Modi at the 14^th East Asia Summit. The initiative aims to enhance maritime security, capacity building, sustainability of marine resources, disaster prevention and cooperation in trade.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020