Japan Urges Pacific Islands to Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation
"Attempts to change the status quo by force must never be tolerated," Koizumi said during a speech at a Japan-hosted meeting of defense authorities in Tokyo. He also expressed hope to reaffirm their "unwavering commitment to peace."
Koizumi added, "The Pacific may, at times, be rough. But if we can build a strong and multilayered network reaching beyond regions, then no matter how fierce the waves may become, the Pacific can and will remain the ocean of peace," addressing attendees at the third Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.
The meeting brought together defense chiefs and other officials from Pacific island nations and partner countries to discuss maritime challenges, including freedom of navigation, protection of sea lanes, and responses to climate change and natural disasters.
For the first time, some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Indonesia and the Philippines, participated as observers. Japan also plans to launch a program to invite junior and mid-level officials from Pacific island countries involved in security policy to Tokyo’s Defense Ministry to strengthen personnel exchanges.
Following the meeting, Koizumi told reporters that collaboration with island nations is of "great importance" in achieving a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region.
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