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Japan yesterday hosted Pacific island leaders for a three-day summit to discuss issues ranging from rising sea levels to security.
Tokyo is expected to pledge assistance to the islands in a range of areas, from maritime safety and health care to education and adaptation to climate risks, but also seek to reassure Pacific neighbors about the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Japanese said. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi spoke on issues concerning Pacific Islands Forum members.
With U.S. support, Japan has stepped up defense cooperation in the hotly contested Pacific region, where China also offers security and infrastructure assistance.
In 2022, Beijing signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that had been kept secret for some time.
Tokyo and the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia, are expected to issue a joint statement at the end of the 10th triennial Pacific Islands Leaders Summit on Thursday.
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