50 years on, Fukuda Doctrine remains a ballast to Japan-ASEAN relations

In October 2026, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda passed away. During his tenure as prime minister from 2007 to 2008, Fukuda was known for his efforts to balance Japan’s relations with the US and China. He also championed the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests between Japan and China, culminating in the signing of a joint statement on promoting a “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests” in 2008. The statement remains one of the four foundational political documents underpinning Japan-China relations.

The Fukuda family is one of Japan’s prominent political dynasties, with Gunma prefecture serving as its political stronghold. Yasuo Fukuda’s father, Takeo Fukuda, also served as prime minister from 1976 to 1978. The year 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of the Fukuda Doctrine, introduced by Takeo Fukuda in 1977.

Three key principles

What, then, is the Fukuda Doctrine? It takes its name from a speech delivered by Takeo Fukuda in Manila, the Philippines, in August 1977, which laid out the guiding principles of Japan’s diplomatic policy towards the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The doctrine rests on three key principles. First, that Japan is committed to peace, rejects the role of a military power, and is resolved to contribute to the peace and prosperity of Southeast Asia, and of the world community. Second, Japan, as a true friend of Southeast Asia, will consolidate mutual confidence and trust based on “heart-to-heart” understanding, in wide-ranging fields from politics and economics to social and cultural areas. Third, Japan will be an equal partner of ASEAN and its member countries, and work with them to strengthen their solidarity and resilience, together with other nations of the like mind outside the region, while aiming at fostering a relationship based on mutual understanding with the nations of Indochina, and contribute to the building of peace and prosperity throughout Southeast Asia.

How relevant is the Fukuda Doctrine?

Yet, Japan-ASEAN relations have changed considerably over the past five decades, as reflected in documents issued in 2023 to commemorate 50 years of Japan-ASEAN cooperation. The documents placed greater emphasis not only on the two-way nature of cooperation, but also on closer security ties. Does this mean that the Fukuda Doctrine of 1977 has outlived its relevance?

I would argue that the Fukuda Doctrine remains the bedrock of Japan’s relations with Southeast Asia, particularly ASEAN. To be sure, Japan’s ties with ASEAN member states have changed profoundly over the past 50 years. Economic relations, for one, have evolved significantly, making more balanced, two-way cooperation increasingly necessary. Both sides are also actively exploring new areas of collaboration, including security and emerging technologies. In this context, Japan-ASEAN relations must continue to evolve and deepen, building on the foundations of the Fukuda Doctrine while adapting to the demands of a new era.

History’s impact on today’s security

During World War II, Japan’s aggression brought immense suffering to Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. Following its defeat, Japan gradually forged cooperative ties with Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. As these relationships developed, neither side forgot this painful history. Instead, they continued to reassess what they needed from each other and how best to work together, adjusting their approach to the changing circumstances and needs of each era.

The Fukuda Doctrine’s pledge that Japan would never become a military power, but would instead contribute to global peace and prosperity, reflects a deep awareness of this history. Equally, its emphasis on building mutual trust between Japan and ASEAN countries as genuine friends and equal partners across a broad range of political, economic and cultural fields reflects a shared commitment to understanding each other’s needs and considering what each side can bring to the relationship.

The world is now at a major turning point. Southeast Asian economies are growing rapidly, and the nature of Japan-ASEAN relations has changed substantially. Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever for both sides to deepen their heart-to-heart understanding and forge a partnership built on equality and reciprocity.

In recent years, Japan has been actively strengthening security cooperation with countries such as the Philippines. As Japan and ASEAN venture into new areas of cooperation and deepen their ties where necessary, the Fukuda Doctrine’s principle that Japan should never become a military power remains as relevant as ever.

Indeed, the very need for Japan-ASEAN relations to evolve and deepen makes the Fukuda Doctrine — the founding vision and guiding philosophy of their partnership — all the more important today.

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