Japan, Pacific island nations agree to increase security, trade, climate cooperation

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Leaders of Japan and 18 Pacific Island nations agreed to bolster security, trade and climate cooperation at a three-day summit that culminated Thursday in Tokyo, local media reported.

In a joint declaration adopted at the 10th Pacific islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), the nations agreed to an enhanced role of Japan in regional development while opposing any attempted coercive activity.

The summit was attended by the 18 members of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The leaders agreed that Japan provides greater support and cooperation in climate change, maritime security and defense, economic development and other areas, Tokyo-based Nikkei Asia news website reported.

The declaration noted climate change as “the single greatest existential threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific” and showed their commitment to elevating collaboration to support the region in mitigating and adapting to its effects.

The leaders will "strengthen defense exchanges" through port calls with vessels and aircraft from the Japan Self Defense Force, while also boosting cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and local maritime authorities, according to a PALM action plan that was released. Such visits happen only on request and respect the sovereignty of countries, it said.

The leaders also expressed "strong opposition" to "unilateral attempts to change the status quo" by threats or force. While the statement did not name any country, the language has been deployed by Japan, the US and Australia to express growing concerns with what they see as increasing Chinese influence in the region.

Addressing a news conference after the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "It is increasingly important that we work together to maintain and strengthen an international order that is free, open, and based on the rule of law."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said PIF statements reflect the shifting state of affairs. "If you look at the various communiques and declarations from the Pacific Islands Forum over the last two years, you will see that the reality of competition is something those leaders are engaged with," Wong told reporters.

Wong has recently said Australia is in a "permanent contest" with China in the Pacific.

The PALM, held every three years since 1997, comes amid rising geopolitical competition in the Pacific, with China expanding its influence.

The forum has become Tokyo's key diplomatic tool to counter China’s security and economic influence in the region by strengthening its ties with PIF members.​​​​​​​