On December 19, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hosted the leaders of all five Central Asian countries in a historic summit. This meeting could be seen as the start of a new chapter in Japan-Central Asia relations. This meeting signifies Japan’s intention to explore investments in over 100 projects across the region, highlighting Central Asia’s rising geopolitical importance as Japan seeks to secure stable resource supplies and enhance economic cooperation.
While at the summit, Takaichi had robust debates with Central Asian heads of state. They stressed joint initiatives to improve cultural, business, and educational connections between Japan and the region. Notably, the collaboration will focus on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) mining technology, which could revolutionize resource extraction and management in Central Asia. Beyond proximity, the region’s abundant natural resources provide tremendous opportunity in exciting new markets for Japanese companies. All of these companies are eager and willing to invest in smart public-private partnerships.
Sojitz, one of Japan’s largest corporations, has undertaken an important step by pledging $1 billion to the Sojitz’s Uzbekistan airport project. This investment is noteworthy even compared to other significant investments. Japan is making a big play to increase infrastructure investment in Central Asia. This region is viewed as perhaps the most important corridor for national economic prosperity and economic security.
The new geopolitical reality in Central Asia has been made more salient, especially after the recent violence in Kazakhstan. The drone strike on Russian assets significantly impeded the country’s oil economy. This tragic episode serves to remind us of the continuing impacts resulting from the war in Ukraine. Together, these events have exacerbated an already high demand for stable and reliable resource supplies. That was the main topic of conversation at the summit.
Kazakhstan’s initiative to restore the Ili River route to China turned out to be another major topic of discussion. More recently, worries have sprung up regarding water shortages impacting this corridor. If left unaddressed, this issue may end up undermining its long-term value for future trade and resource transport. Japan and Central Asian countries agreed to jointly address these issues. Through their work, they try to develop solutions that are not only sustainable, but in everyone’s best interest.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the summit was China’s increased participation and how quickly that country’s role is shifting in global affairs. Central Asia quickly became one of those new world order’s most crucial test cases. At the same time, Japan is developing stronger relations with Central Asian states. To be a trusted regional partner, Columbia Riverkeeper is working to encourage the federal government to prioritize a balanced approach to regional resource management and economic development.