Japan is set to enhance its collaboration with Pacific Island nations in several key areas, including defense personnel exchanges, crisis response, and cybersecurity, as global maritime challenges continue to arise. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of a secure maritime environment, stating, “There is only one thing that we must protect. It is a free and open ‘ocean of peace,’ grounded in the rule of law.” His remarks were made during the third Japan-Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) held in Tokyo on February 23.
This event, which convenes defense ministers and officials from 14 Pacific Island nations, was first established in 2021 and reflects Japan’s growing commitment to the region. Notably, as the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Koizumi voiced hopes that JPIDD would reaffirm collective dedication to peace and response to attempts to alter the status quo through force.
Japan regards the Pacific Islands as strategically significant, viewing them as essential hubs for maritime routes. One driving factor behind Tokyo’s initiative to strengthen ties with these nations is the increasing influence of China in the region, illustrated by the security agreement signed between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022.
Koizumi reiterated that Pacific Island countries are crucial allies that share core values such as freedom and democracy, highlighting the mutual dedication to a rule-based international order. Importantly, he clarified that the defense exchanges with Pacific nations are “not aimed at any specific country, including China.”
As part of Japan’s efforts, it has been offering support through the Official Security Assistance framework, which provides defense equipment and supplies to the militaries of allied nations at no cost. There are also plans to implement the Next-Generation Leadership Security Programme in the upcoming fiscal year, which will invite young and mid-career personnel from the defense ministries and related agencies of Pacific Island countries to Japan for training.
This year’s dialogue also marked a significant expansion, with ASEAN countries participating as observers for the first time. Amid evolving dynamics in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific under previous administrations, Japan aims to foster stronger alliances not only with Pacific Island nations but also with ASEAN countries, reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The growing collaboration showcases a hopeful future for security and diplomatic relations in the region.
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