The initiative will help promote “connectivity” within Southeast Asian countries and Japan through funding in infrastructure and development of human resources. “Invigorating the flow of goods and people by connecting the region through roads, bridges and railways is indispensable for promoting economic development,” Kishida said, adding that Japan’s cooperation will go beyond just building infrastructure. Kishida also renewed his call for the establishment of a code of conduct in the South China Sea, where China, Vietnam, the Philippines and others have competing territorial claims, and that prosperity can only be achieved if there is peace and stability in the region.