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PM: Japan closely eyes China’s moves in Pacific island region
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TOKYO, 24 April 2022, (TON): Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said “Japan is keeping a close eye on China’s behavior concerning Pacific island nations.”
The recent signing of a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands has sparked regional concerns about Beijing’s outreach, as the agreement reportedly enables Chinese troops to be deployed to the Pacific nation.
Kishida told reporters “we exchanged views on recent developments concerning China in the Pacific island region."
He said “we are closely following what China does in the Pacific island region with interest.”
The United States has warned the Solomon Islands against any possible moves toward inviting a Chinese military presence while other nations in the Pacific, such as Australia and New Zealand, have also expressed concern.
In his meeting with Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, the two agreed to aim for a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region where an assertive China is expanding its influence.
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