Photo/Illutration Ministers from Japan and Pacific Islands Forum members meet in the Fijian capital of Suva on Feb. 12. (Provided by the Foreign Ministry)

SUVA--Ministers from Japan and Pacific island countries agreed to oppose “any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” dropping a veiled reference to China enhancing its presence in the region.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa co-chaired the Ministerial Interim Meeting for the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in the Fijian capital on Feb. 12, which laid the groundwork for the 10th summit between Japan and 18 Pacific island nations to be held in Tokyo in July.

The chairs’ summary said the ministers “discussed the broad regional security issues affecting the region (since the last summit three years ago) and concurred on the importance of enhanced cooperation in maintaining and strengthening global peace and stability.”

The document reaffirmed the importance of principles such as “international rules-based order,” “the rule of law” and “human dignity.”

Japan hopes to strengthen its partnership with Pacific island countries through the summit, which has been held every three years since 1997.

While China has extended its influence on the region’s security by leveraging economic assistance in recent years, the United States and Japan are trying to roll back its expanding clout.

In a symbolic move, the signing of a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022 raised alarms among the United States and its allies, and it prompted Washington to reopen its embassy in Honiara, the nation's capital, in February 2023 after a 30-year hiatus.

However, many Pacific island countries are reluctant to be divided by the U.S.-China confrontation.

A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official said representatives from countries participating in the summit would frown on discussing geopolitical issues during open meetings.

At the Feb. 12 meeting, Kamikawa emphasized that Japan will respect “regional unity” on the part of Pacific island countries.

Kamikawa also told the meeting that Japan will continue to provide explanations based on scientific evidence regarding treated radioactive water being released from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The chairs’ summary said the ministers agreed to keep the treated water issue as a “standing agenda item” for the summit meeting.

The Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Niue--the countries where China is strongly involved--are believed to remain opposed to the treated water being discharged.

At a news conference after the meeting, Kamikawa thanked “all friends from the Pacific” who contributed to the success of the ministerial session.

She also promised to tackle challenges, such as those on climate change and maritime issues, to meet the needs of Pacific island countries for a successful summit.

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