Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Jan. 10 in Kuala Lumpur. (AP Photo)

KUALA LUMPUR--Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to Malaysia was meant not only to bolster cooperation to counter maritime moves by China, but also to send a message that Japan is committed to raising its profile in regional affairs.

The latter takes on heightened importance in view of the fact the incoming U.S. administration is expected to focus more on making quick deals with countries than engaging in multilateral diplomatic efforts.

Aside from an international conference he attended, Malaysia is Ishiba’s first overseas destination since he became prime minister in October.

After holding talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Jan. 10, Ishiba told a joint news conference that strengthening cooperation with the Southeast Asian region “will be one of the highest priorities for Japan.”

Noting that it is the start of a new year, he said 2025 is bound to give rise to “an increase in complexity and unpredictability.”

Briefing reporters, officials said the two leaders confirmed in their meeting the need to cooperate in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Ishiba pledged to continue providing assistance under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program which provides defense equipment to Tokyo’s allies.

Ishiba and Anwar also discussed economic issues and agreed to further strengthen their efforts in the Asia Zero Emission Community plan to establish a carbon-neutral Asia in the future. They also agreed to cooperate in strengthening the supply chain for essential products such as semiconductors.

The two leaders also agreed to cooperate in providing support to Palestine, a major concern for Malaysia which has a large Muslim population.

Malaysia is not only a key nation for sea lanes in the region, but also serves as this year’s chair of ASEAN.

That gathering has become increasingly important to Japan. Ishiba is the fourth straight prime minister to choose a nation in that region for their first foreign visit outside of an international conference.

Much like Japan’s territorial dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, coastal ASEAN nations also have their own disputes with China in the South China Sea. Japan has provided assistance through its OSA program to such nations.

And with Donald Trump slated to be inaugurated as U.S. president on Jan. 20, Japan will be looked upon to take up the expected absence of Washington in regional gatherings. Trump only attended one of the annual summit meetings with ASEAN leaders during his first term.

(This article was written by Doni Tani and Hiroki Ito.)

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