Japan's “Yomiuri Shimbun” recently reported that Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to carry out surveying and mapping work on five straits located in Southeast Asia and the surrounding waters. Specifically, they include the Maluku Strait near Indonesia and the Surigao Strait near the Philippines. The report said that the purpose of drawing up the nautical chart is to ensure the smooth flow of alternative waterways, and the surveying and mapping work will be carried out in cooperation with countries surrounding the strait. Since this year, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has frequently mentioned the so-called new “free and open Indo-Pacific” concept, and Japanese officials at various levels have visited the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia and other countries to lobby for this idea. A number of international observers said that Japan's related developments will increase regional tension and increase the risk of an arms race and conflict.

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