TOKYO: Leaders of 18 Pacific island countries and territories have agreed to bolster Japan’s role in regional development to counter China’s growing military and economic influence in the region.
leaders from Pacific island countries also opposed any attempted coercive actions, said a joint declaration adopted at their summit on Thursday.
Tokyo, aiming to counterbalance China’s influence, sees this meeting as pivotal in strengthening ties with Pacific Island Forum members, originally launched under Japan’s PALM initiative in 1997.
The leaders affirmed Japan’s increased support across climate change, maritime security, defense, and economic development, emphasizing climate change as the region’s foremost existential threat. They pledged to enhance collaboration to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.
Highlighting the importance of peace, stability, and adherence to international law, the declaration voiced strong opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion, without explicitly naming China.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, speaking after the summit, underscored shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and resistance against coercive practices.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, co-chairing the summit, welcomed Japan’s partnership as equals in realizing the region’s 2050 vision for a secure, inclusive, and prosperous “Blue Pacific.”
The leaders also endorsed action plans spanning climate resilience, disaster risk management, sustainable ocean management, economic resilience, and technology and connectivity investments. Brown urged swift implementation of these plans, noting challenges in securing climate financing.
The South Pacific islands have increasingly become a security focus for Japan, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, amid China’s growing regional presence and economic influence.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted the Pacific’s strategic importance and expressed support for deeper engagement within the PIF framework.
Japan’s approach, characterized as respectful and aligned with regional priorities, has been praised as a model for external partners by Wong. While Japan’s concerns over maintaining a rules-based international order were apparent, references to China were handled delicately.
During sideline meetings, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan’s commitments to support infrastructure and fisheries projects, underscoring its ongoing partnership with Pacific leaders.
