For example, in trade, Japan has fallen behind China, with its share of
ASEAN’s total trade falling from 15.3% in 2000 to 10.6% or US$216
billion in 2012. China’s share rose from 4.3% to 12.9% or US&319
billion in the same period. Japan has more FDI than China though, at
least for the time being
• Since returning to power in 2012, PM Abe has lost no time in courting
ASEAN. He is trying to recover lost ground not only in economics but
also in politics and security
• Japan is definitely concerned with China’s new assertiveness both in
the East China Sea and South China Sea