International Desk

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia to enhance defense and economic ties as China's influence grows in the region.

The visit, his first for bilateral talks outside of international meetings, shows Japan’s commitment to further those ties even as the U.S. presence in the region may decrease after President-elect Donald Trump takes office later this month.

Malaysia and Indonesia are maritime regional powers near vital shipping lanes and are key to Japanese and global security and the economy, and they share concerns over China's increasing assertiveness, officials say.

Ishiba held talks Friday with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as he sought to strengthen security cooperation and discussed efforts to ensure stable supply chains with Malaysia, which is chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.

“Deepening relations with Malaysia and Southeast Asia is an issue of foremost priority for Japan” Ishiba said at a joint news conference after their meeting.

Anwar said Malaysia hopes to get Japan’s participation in developing a non-radioactive rare earth element processing plant. He didn't give details. Japan is Malaysia's fourth-largest foreign investor and trading partner. Total trade last year hit 156.75 billion ringgit ($34.4 billion).

On Saturday, Ishiba and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will reportedly sign a deal for Japan's provision of high-speed patrol boats. Talks between the two leaders, who are both former defense ministers, are expected to focus on military cooperation and arms transfers.