September 24, 2026

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) through which ASEAN member states pledge to maintain peaceful and friendly relations.

The TAC’s principles of peace, such as the peaceful resolution of disputes, mutual respect, and the non-use of force, have fostered cooperative relationships both within and outside the region.

The number of TAC member states and signatories continues to grow, now encompassing 62 countries and organizations spanning five continents, including Japan and other major nations.

On September 4, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the TAC, urging signatory states to reaffirm and utilize the treaty. The resolution was co-sponsored by 102 countries.

The Japanese Communist Party has proposed a diplomatic initiative to proactively build peace in East Asia in collaboration with ASEAN.

The JCP “Proposal for Peacebuilding in East Asia” is a counterproposal to the approach of successive Liberal Democratic Party governments that focus solely on strengthening military responses under the pretext of an “increasingly severe security situation” while neglecting to make sustainable diplomatic and peacebuilding efforts.

If Japan shifts toward peacebuilding rather than arms buildups, it can contribute significantly to a peaceful international order and regional peace.

Past related article:
> Shii publishes JCP diplomatic proposal for peacebuilding in East Asia [April 18, 2024]