Pacific Leaders Back Japan's Regional Role, Oppose Coercion

Leaders from 18 Pacific island nations and areas have agreed to enhance Japan's role in regional development and oppose coercive activities at a summit on Thursday. This agreement comes as Tokyo aims to counter China's influence in the Pacific.

The Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM), initiated by Japan in 1997, has become a cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy, reinforcing ties with Pacific Island Forum members. The summit stressed climate change, maritime security, economic development, and unity among the islands and Japan.

The joint declaration emphasized peace, stability, and a rules-based international order without explicitly naming China. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the summit co-chair, highlighted shared values such as the rule of law and democracy. Action plans were adopted in areas like climate resilience, sustainable ocean management, and technological investment.

(With inputs from agencies.)