10 years of FOIP: Japan expands Indo-Pacific cooperation to the Middle East
Naoto Hisajima
On the 10th anniversary of its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, Japan announces an adaptation to address new challenges, extending security, supply chain, and sustainable development cooperation to the Middle East. Tokyo also reaffirms the importance of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and pledges continued ODA and capacity-building support in the region.
Amid the world experiencing the greatest structural upheaval since World War II, Japan emphasizes adapting its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy to confront new challenges over the past decade. The FOIP framework, initiated by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decade ago, was based on the view that the Indo-Pacific would become the center of global development.
According to the Japanese government's statement, the basic principles of FOIP remain unchanged, including upholding freedom and the rule of law, and respecting diversity, inclusiveness, and openness. However, in the face of rising conflicts and power competition, economic security and building resilient supply chains have become top priorities, along with support for enhancing maritime security capabilities.
A new highlight is Japan's affirmation of the importance of ensuring safe maritime freedom for all nations through the Strait of Hormuz. In March 2026, Japan joined a joint declaration on this matter and strengthened cooperation with relevant countries and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Restoring stability in the Strait of Hormuz is seen as an urgent need for global logistics chains and the public interest of the international community.
Regarding defense security, Japan maintains a purely defensive policy within the framework of the United Nations Charter. Three strategic security documents — the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Build-up Program — were revised from 2022 to address the most complex post-war security environment, including the deployment of unmanned systems and protracted conflicts.
In its relations with the Middle East, Japan will continue to promote cooperation through practical measures such as strengthening resilient supply chains, enhancing maritime security, improving high-quality connectivity, and supporting people-centered development. Tokyo also pledges official development assistance (ODA) and capacity-building support based on the actual needs of partners.
At age 10, FOIP is not a static slogan but a living framework to maintain a free, open, rules-based international order, while serving as a bridge from division and confrontation to reconciliation and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond.
