Japan Cooperates With and Challenges China Over Asia Infrastructure Influence

Japan and China have agreed to cooperate on the highly competitive railway infrastructure sector in the Asian region, while Japan has unilaterally pledged support for 150 projects in the region in a bid to curb Chinese dominance via its One Belt Initiative (OBI).

The two nations plan to agree to enter into 20-30 joint ventures in the rail infrastructure sector, after the two nations have repeatedly clashed over the bidding for rail projects in the region.

Meanwhile, at the 10th Mekong–Japan Summit in Tokyo in October, Japan also agreed to fund 150 development projects in the five Southeast Asian countries who share the Mekong River. Provision of the “quality” infrastructure projects would be conditional on Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar supporting the “free and open Indo-Pacific strategy”, which is being promoted by the Japanese and American governments.

A joint statement from the summit said “It is essential to advance the industrial structure and improve the value-chain network in the Mekong region and beyond”.

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Digital Park Initiative Unveiled to Boost Cambodia’s Digital Literacy and Start-Up Scene

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia has announced an ambitious plan to establish a digital park aimed at enhancing digital literacy and fostering the growth of digital start-ups in the country. This initiative, inspired by Thailand’s successful Thailand Digital Valley project, was revealed by H.E. Hak Sokheng, Undersecretary of State of the ministry. […]

Cambodia Revamps Investment Policies to Attract Global Companies Amid Trade Wars

Cambodia is revising its investment policies to enhance its appeal to multinational corporations and attract businesses looking to relocate from countries affected by ongoing trade tensions. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is leading these reforms to offer increased incentives and streamline investment procedures. This initiative is particularly relevant as many companies and […]

Cambodia Enhances Investment Climate with Adoption of 21 International Standards

Cambodia is taking significant strides to boost its economy and attract foreign investment by adopting 21 new international standards as national standards. This pivotal decision was made during the National Standards Council’s 30th meeting on January 30, 2025, which focused on reviewing and approving key standards across various sectors. The adoption of these standards aligns […]

Cambodia’s Electricity Capacity Set to Expand Significantly by 2024

By 2024, Cambodia is poised to enhance its electricity generation capacity to an impressive 5,044 megawatts, alongside a substantial extension of transmission lines to 3,890 kilometers. During the closing ceremony of the Electricity Authority’s conference on February 3, 2025, His Excellency Keo Rattanak, Minister of Mines and Energy, confirmed that these targets had been met. […]

BYD to Establish Vehicle Assembly Plant in Sihanoukville Economic Zone

In a significant boost to Cambodia’s automotive industry, BYD, China’s leading electric car manufacturer, has announced plans to establish a vehicle assembly plant within the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. The project, which involves an investment of USD 32 million, is expected to create over 200 jobs and contribute to the local economy. The assembly plant […]

China and Japan Unite to Support Mine Clearance Efforts in Cambodia

In a significant move to enhance safety and promote development, China and Japan granted nearly USD 6 million to support ongoing mine clearance operations in Cambodia. This funding will be directed towards the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) and the Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS), focusing on eight provinces affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. […]