(MENAFN - Asia Times) Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's legacy in international politics will play out over the coming years. He, more than any current leader, advocated early cooperation in the face of China's rise.
Abe's legacy
Abe was responsible for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) concept, as well as the proposal for greater political and security cooperation via the Quad.
In his 'Confluence of the Two Seas' speech in August 2007 in India, Abe recognized that the 'Pacific and the Indian Oceans are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and of prosperity. A 'broader Asia' that broke away geographical boundaries is now beginning to take on a distinct form.'