Japan, ASEAN Bolster Ties at Summit Focused On Security, Economy Amid China Tensions 

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center right, his wife Yuko Kishida, right, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, center left, and other leaders from ASEAN nations and their spouses release paper lanterns at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, Dec. 17, 2023. Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., left, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, are seen at the start of their bilateral meeting at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Dec. 17, 2023.

Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at a special summit on Sunday marking their 50th anniversary of friendship, adopted a joint vision that emphasizes security and economic cooperation while respecting the rule of law amid growing tensions with China in regional seas.