Photo/Illutration Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pose for a group photo as they gather for the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo on Dec. 17. (Tetsuro Takehana)

The era when Japan only played the role of an aid supplier for Southeast Asia has ended.

A “truly equal” partnership between the two sides requires Japan to recognize the vitality of the region and humbly learn from its economic success.

A special summit meeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan was held in Tokyo on Dec. 17.

There is no disputing the vital importance of this region for Japan. With a total of 670 million people within the bloc, ASEAN is an important market and trading partner for Japan, alongside the United States and China.

This region is located on a strategically important sea lane that is a vital route for the maritime transportation of oil and other goods from the Middle East to Japan.

ASEAN and Japan also share common strategic interests based on deep and strong ties with both the United States and China, two leading global powers that are mired in an increasingly bitter confrontation.

For about half a century, Japan's diplomacy toward ASEAN has been driven by the Fukuda Doctrine proposed by former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda.

The doctrine is composed of three pillars: Japan will not become a major military power; seek a “heart-to-heart” relationship with Southeast Asia; and build an equal partnership with the region. These three principles are more significant now than ever.

Japan, known as a manufacturing powerhouse, was once a model of economic growth for ASEAN, but that is a story of the past. Now, the region has robust and thriving information technology industries as well as a more vibrant and dynamic startup sector than in Japan.

The bloc’s combined gross domestic product is projected to surpass Japan's within a few years.

Southeast Asia is also going through rapid and dramatic social changes. All ASEAN countries rank higher than Japan in the global gender gap index.

The bloc is seeking social harmony while embracing diverse languages, ethnicities and religions. Countries that are in different stages of development and have different political systems find common ground through dialogue. There is much to learn from ASEAN.

Perhaps Japan needs a bold change in its mindset to be willing to sometimes view ASEAN as a model to emulate from the viewpoint of a nation playing catchup.

The joint statement issued at the summit pledged to “promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open” and strengthen “security cooperation.”

There is no denying that China's assertive naval expansion is destabilizing the region, and Japan’s relationship with ASEAN, which used to be centered on the economy, inevitably changes in response to the security challenge.

However, each ASEAN country is trying to maximize its national interest by striking a good strategic balance in its diplomacy toward Washington and Beijing without leaning toward either of the two superpowers.

Japan will only lose the trust of the ASEAN members if they think they are being used by Tokyo to contain China.

Rather, especially now that the arrogance of major powers is becoming increasingly pronounced, Japan and ASEAN should seek forms of cooperation that contribute to the stability of the international order and the solution of global issues.

Japan's credibility in ASEAN is still high, but in a public opinion survey conducted in the region by the Foreign Ministry last year, Japan ranked second as “an important partner in the future” after China.

Japan's popularity among ASEAN people as a destination for studying abroad and seeking employment is not necessarily high.

Japan cannot afford to rest on the achievements of its relations with ASEAN in the past half century.

For the sake of the next generation, it should aim for a higher level of relationship with the region that is suitable for the new era.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 19

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