A joint statement issued after the summit meeting refrained from an explicit mention of China's recent declaration of a maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea. But it was the backdrop behind the promise to cooperate to ensure "freedom of overflight and aviation safety in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law."

The summit marks 40 years of ties between Japan and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a resource-rich region of more than 600 million people. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited all 10 countries in the past year, seeking to boost both security and business ties, a warm contrast to frosty relations with China.

Earlier Saturday, Tokyo pledged 20 trillion yen ($19.2 billion) in aid to Southeast Asian nations over the next five years to help close the region's development gap and improve its disaster preparedness. It also promised another $100 billion to support the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.

The Japanese side listed on its "urgent agenda" assistance for improved maritime security and more effective coast guards, help with cybersecurity and counterterrorism, closer communications connections and improved disaster preparedness and management.

Much of Asia suffered under Japanese occupation in World War II and Southeast Asian leaders have been wary of a potential resurgence of Japanese militarism.

But like Japan, several ASEAN countries have territorial disputes with China that remain potential flashpoints.

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