Advancing Canada-Japan co-operation for a free and open Indo-Pacific

The world's attention is currently focused on the situation in the Middle East. The Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel must be unequivocally condemned, and best efforts are indispensable for the improvement of humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. The situation with Russia's invasion of Ukraine is precarious, necessitating urgent reinforcement of support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. While it has not received much coverage in the media, the Indo-Pacific region is crucial for global stability and prosperity in the medium to long term. In this context, as the Ambassador of Japan to Canada, I deeply value and sincerely respect Canada's contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. I also take pride in the progress of Canada-Japan co-operation based on the "Canada-Japan Action Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific" announced on Oct. 22. On this occasion, I would like to share my insights on several significant matters. Firstly, Canada’s military assets deployed in the Indo-Pacific region include three frigates—HMCS Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver—the naval replenishment unit MV Asterix, and the patrol aircraft CP-140 Aurora. In fact, in terms of the deployment of maritime and aerial assets to the region, especially around Japan, Canada occasionally ranks second only after the United States, depending on the timing. Joint surveillance of North Korea’s illicit activities and joint exercises between Canada and Japan—along with the United States—have seen a substantial increase. These collaborative activities extend from the Indian Ocean to Australia in the south, Hawaii in the east, and Victoria, B.C., in the north, with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces participating as observers in the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operation Nanook in the Arctic. Co-operation in the field of cybersecurity is also steadily advancing. These activities are playing crucial roles in upholding and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law, and deterring unilateral changes to the status quo by force. Furthermore, Japan and Canada are actively negotiating the Canada-Japan General Security of Information Agreement. The devil is in the details, but swift progress is expected because once ratified, the agreement will contribute significantly to deepening security co-operation between the two countries. Kanji Yamanouchi is the ambassador of Japan in Canada. Photograph courtesy of the Japanese Embassy In the realm of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, Canada and Japan share common goals with a close relationship. Amidst the divergence of positions within the United Nations, Canada has constantly joined Japan in co-sponsoring the “Resolution on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons,” garnering international attention. Both countries are also co-ordinating their efforts on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. During the G7 Hiroshima Summit this past May, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the only leader to visit the Peace Memorial Museum twice, earned deep respect from the Japanese people for his strong compassion to the victims and commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. The progress of Canada-Japan co-operation is also evident in the economic sphere. Just a few weeks ago, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development Mary Ng used the G7 trade ministers’ meeting to lead a 250 member-strong Team Canada delegation consisting of representatives from 160 Canadian companies, on visits to Osaka and Tokyo. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, along with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canada Business Council, also visited Japan around the same time, marking the largest business delegation to date. Ministers Ng and MacAulay’s discussions with Japanese counterparts were fruitful concerning the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, trade and investment, and economic security. Business representatives energetically engaged with leading Japanese companies and economic organizations. Now it is essential that these meetings and exchanges will lead to specific business projects. Canada’s importance cannot be overstated given the prospects of a net-zero economy by 2050 and the challenging geopolitical realities. The diverse energy, environment, agriculture, high-tech, and critical minerals sectors demonstrate Canada's significant potential and possibilities to all observers. Addressing challenges such as infrastructure development, streamlining excessive regulations, understanding and support for Indigenous Peoples, and close co-ordination between federal and provincial governments, one can look forward to the expansion of trade and investment between Canada and Japan. Finally, it has been a year since the Canadian government announced its historic Indo-Pacific Strategy. I sincerely hope that further Canadian engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and the deepening of Canada-Japan co-operation will contribute to the betterment of the region and beyond. Kanji Yamanouchi is the ambassador of Japan in Canada. The Hill Times