Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has begun a six-day tour of Southeast Asia and Australia aimed at strengthening economic and security ties, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

    He will also visit the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam starting on Thursday.

    Abe hopes to reaffirm close cooperation with those countries in order for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement to take effect, and ensure that negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), are concluded on the same level as the TPP deal.

    RCEP is expected to involve 16 member countries including Japan, China, and Southeast Asian countries, but not the United States, which aims to ensure continued support for free trade after Donald Trump becomes U.S. president on January 20.

    Abe also hopes to underscore the importance of a U.S. centered alliance for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and aims to reaffirm the significance of the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where China has been increasing its maritime activity.

    This year, the Philippines will chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Vietnam will chair the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Source: QNA