Japan, ASEAN vow to widen cooperation as they mark 50 years of ties

TOKYO - Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed Sunday to deepen relations in the security and economic fields with the geopolitical environment changing amid China's growing clout, at a summit to commemorate 50 years of friendship and cooperation.In a "joint vision statement" issued after the gathering in Tokyo, the leaders pledged to step up cooperation on maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.Among other new efforts to further boost the economy in the fast-growing regi…READ FULL ARTICLE