Global South’s Rise Spurs Japan–ASEAN Rethink, AVI Seminar Says

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 26, 2025) — The Asian Vision Institute (AVI) hosted a seminar in Phnom Penh examining how the growing influence of the Global South is reshaping international affairs and what it means for cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. The event coincided with ASEAN’s 52nd anniversary of dialogue relations with Japan.

About 80 participants from government institutions, foreign embassies, think tanks, universities, civil society groups and the media attended the discussion. The seminar opened with remarks from AVI President Chheng Kimlong and Ueno Atsushi, Japan’s ambassador to Cambodia.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Chhem Kieth Rethy, senior minister in charge of special mission at the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Hosoya Yuichi of Keio University.

A panel featuring Hosoya, Joanne Lin Weiling of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, and Kimlong explored the strategic, economic and political implications of the Global South’s growing role.

The session was moderated by Path Kosal, AVI strategic adviser and secretary of state at the Office of the Council of Ministers. Closing remarks were given by Pan Sorasak, member of parliament and Cambodia’s former commerce minister.

Speakers stressed the rising importance of Japan–ASEAN cooperation as Global South countries gain influence in global governance. They highlighted Japan’s efforts to adapt its foreign policy under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific framework, aligning with ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and wider initiatives such as RCEP and CPTPP.

Discussions also covered intensifying geopolitical competition, regional connectivity, Asia’s expanding middle class and economic diversification strategies. Organizers said the seminar generated productive exchanges and will feed into a forthcoming publication of key findings and recommendations.