Strengthening Ties with Central Asian Nations an Imperative for Japan

Recently, Japan held its first summit with leaders of the five Central Asian countries. Before concluding, the leaders jointly adopted the "Tokyo Declaration" calling for broad cooperation, including on supply chains for critical minerals.

It has been nearly four years since Russia launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, China has been stepping up pressure on Japan in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in the Diet regarding a Taiwan emergency, and the diplomatic environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly severe.

Meanwhile, the five former Soviet republics have grown to resent interference by China and Russia. Thus, strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Central Asian countries promises to be beneficial for both sides.

These five Central Asian countries ー namely Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan ー are rich in natural resources, including rare earth metals and crude oil. Their region is strategically located, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also home to the Caspian Sea Route, a transportation artery connecting to Europe without passing through Russia. This route has been the focus of growing interest in the international community.

Dialogue Since 2004

In 2004 Japan became the first country to launch a dialogue framework with these five countries. Since then, 10 foreign minister-level meetings have taken place. A summit was scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan in August 2024. However, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled the event after a warning of a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough was issued just before the meeting.

China and Russia have also established similar dialogue frameworks. And, at a meeting in June, China expressed its intention to build high-quality cooperative relations with the Central Asian countries.

Meanwhile, Russia has revealed its territorial ambitions with its invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, China's "debt trap" strategy of drowning developing countries through loans has also been recognized as a problem. Consequently, the five countries have become wary of obvious Russian and Chinese efforts to bring them into their "spheres of influence." Instead, they are seeking to diversify their ties through diplomacy.

*Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with the leaders of five Central Asian countries on December 20 in Tokyo. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa)*

Diversifying Ties Through Diplomacy

One aim of this summit was to help them do just that. Deepening ties with these five countries drives a wedge between them and China and Russia. Japan is also looking to diversify its resource procurement sources. The Takaichi administration's initiative to realize the summit is welcome news.

Actions by China and Russia have become a matter of global concern. In contrast, the Tokyo Declaration affirms the six nations' commitment to a free and open international order based on the rule of law, as well as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Japan's rationale for creating the six-nation dialogue framework was to promote democratic development toward a "free and open Central Asia." We hope the Takaichi administration will continue to strengthen relations with these five countries. If Japan and the Central Asian leaders work as partners, that will help to maintain stability throughout Asia.