A recent survey found that Japan maintains its status as the most trusted global power in Southeast Asia. However, analysts suggest Tokyo must improve transparency regarding its motives and military actions to assure regional security.

Japan remains the most trusted power among Southeast Asian countries, even as it seeks to amend its pacifist constitution and continues its military build-up. However, Tokyo would need to be transparent on its motives and assure others that its military-related actions would contribute to regional security, according to analysts. In the latest annual survey conducted by the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Japan retained its ranking as the most trusted power in the region, with 65.6....