ASEAN's E-Waste Economy Reshapes US-Japan Resource Diplomacy

The growing economy around electronic waste (e-waste) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is opening a new chapter in US-Japan resource diplomacy. This trend points to a complex situation where the sustainability challenges faced by regional countries intersect with the strategies of major powers seeking resource security. As ASEAN nations experience rapid economic growth and increasing digitalization, the volume of discarded electronic devices is surging. This e-waste contains precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and palladium, which are essential resources for modern high-tech industries and renewable energy technologies. Consequently, e-waste is gaining attention not just as waste, but as a new source of materials. Both the United States and Japan are seeking to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries to ensure a stable supply of these strategic resources. Beyond traditional resource development, they are engaging in resource diplomacy by supporting e-waste recycling and reuse technologies, and investing in related infrastructure. This aligns with their strategies to reduce dependence on China for resources and diversify supply chains. Vietnam, like other ASEAN members, is benefiting from economic growth while simultaneously being pressured to address the escalating e-waste problem. Illegal dumping and improper disposal pose risks of environmental pollution and health hazards. Therefore, the Vietnamese government is attempting to tackle this issue by developing legal frameworks and fostering the recycling industry. Such domestic initiatives could also enhance Vietnam's bargaining power within the context of international resource diplomacy. The development of ASEAN's e-waste economy is a multifaceted phenomenon with economic, environmental, technological, and geopolitical implications. How the US and Japan play their roles in this sector and deepen their relationships with ASEAN countries will be key to determining the future course of resource diplomacy.