Japan Seeks Eu Support For Free, Open Indo - Pacific
Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu has called for cooperation from the European Union in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. That comes as China increases its maritime presence in the region.
Motegi took part in an EU Foreign Affairs Council video conference on Monday. He is the first Japanese foreign minister to attend a meeting of the council.
Apparently referencing China, Motegi pointed to challenges in security in the East and South China seas, and to principles such as democracy and human rights in the Indo-Pacific region.
He said the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which Japan is promoting, is open to cooperation with any countries that share values such as the rule of law.
Motegi asked for the EU's cooperation, and called for joint work on maritime security and other issues.
Many foreign ministers from EU member states expressed support for the importance of ensuring rules-based international order.
Last year, Germany and the Netherlands published their respective guidelines for the Indo-Pacific, stoking momentum among members to consider common guidelines.