Developed in Japan and accepted internationally, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is a framework which codifies respect for the international rule-of-law, stability, and shared prosperity amongst this highly diverse and dynamic region. First laid out in 2016, the vision has been continuously promoted. In particular, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made it one of his primary diplomatic focuses through expanding its scope into a more robust and adaptable foundation, reflecting the evolving geopolitical realities of the Indo-Pacific.

Although FOIP has undergone changes since its inception, the vision has never waivered from the guiding principle that peace is essential for this fast-growing region, and cooperation must prevail over threats of force and coercion. Therefore, in the face of rising tensions and global conflicts, FOIP has expanded to include a variety of sectors in order to respond to the pressing issues in the Indo-Pacific. These include efforts related to climate and energy with initiatives like the multi-country Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC). On top of these priorities, the vision now includes measures to enhance human security in the form of global health, food security, and a variety of other aspects that affect the region as a whole. Economic cooperation at both the micro and macro levels as well as strengthening maritime and air security are also part of this wholistic vision. Furthermore, in the spirit of equal partnership among nations, Japan has made great efforts to engage with the Global South through enhancing connectivity and regional exchange.

However, as competition for territory and influence between regional and global powers intensifies, can FOIP continue to serve as a way for countries in the Indo-Pacific to maintain peace? Moreover, as FOIP changes and expands to create a more inclusive and cooperative framework, to what extent can such a wide-ranging vision be realized? Finally, how does an inclusive-by-design FOIP fit in with other established and emerging regional frameworks such as the QUAD, AUKUS, and the US-Japan Security Alliance?