US-Japan cooperation (Photo: White House Photo, D. Myles Cullen)
According to Nikkei Asia, Japan and the US will outline guidelines to support development of high-quality infrastructure, including 5G wireless and hydrogen energy in the Indo-Pacific region and other countries. as a counterbalance to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative.
Before the meeting in Washington on April 16 between Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Mr. Joe Biden, the two allies are expected to set out a goal to expand cooperation in building infrastructure abroad. The leaders will discuss promotion of fifth-generation high-speed wireless and clean energy in the Indo-Pacific region.
By outlining a clear framework for organizations and businesses to follow, Tokyo and Washington aim to attract trust from regional countries and gain an edge in the race to make an impact in India – The Pacific is facing competition from Beijing, according to Nikkei.
The guidance will include prerequisites for investment, systems for implementing projects and recommendations for training local talent. It also sets out procurement standards and protection regulations to minimize the risk of technology leaks.
According to estimates by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it takes $ 26 trillion to invest in infrastructure between 2016 and 2030 for Asian development. For example, Pacific island nations need sea cabling to boost their weak telecommunications infrastructure.
China has taken advantage of low-cost infrastructure leverage to expand its “Belt and Road” initiative in Asia’s emerging economies.
Tourism-dependent Southeast Asian and Pacific island countries have been hit hard by the corona virus pandemic, and a few turn to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, led by China. to seek financial assistance.
Beijing has been accused of using this to exert diplomatic pressure with borrowers, known as “debt trap diplomacy.” Concerns have arisen about potential climate and security risks posed by Chinese technology.
Telecommunication technology, including 5G, has become a battleground in the race for technological dominance between the US and China. This is also considered a promising field for Japan-US cooperation. The two allies are simultaneously considering cooperation on smart cities, according to Nikkei.
It is expected that the two leaders of the US – Japan will also discuss the issue of “climate change”, and consider promoting the next generation of battery technology, as well as hydrogen energy in other countries.
