Abe boosts ASEAN trade with visits

But PM makes little progress in quest to diplomatically isolate China

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's just-concluded maiden visit to three Southeast Asian countries last week saw enhanced trade ties with the region, but his bid to make ASEAN countries side with Japan against China got little support from his host countries, observers said.

During Abe's tour to Vietman, Thailand and Indonesia last week, his first overseas visit since assuming office in December, he focused on topics such as economic ties and protection of the seas.