Foreign Ministers of Japan, the United States, Australia and India met over the phone and agreed to strongly oppose China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo, aiming to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. We confirmed our policy to further deepen cooperation with countries such as Europe.
Foreign Minister Motegi, Secretary of State Blinken of the United States, Foreign Minister Payne of Australia, and Foreign Minister Jaishankar of India participated in the telephone talks held on the night of the 18th of Japan time following the inauguration of the Biden administration in the United States.
In this, Minister Motegi pointed out that "as the challenges to the existing international order continue, the four countries of Japan, the United States, Australia and India that share basic values are playing an increasingly important role," and China will act as a maritime guard. He expressed serious concern about the enforcement of the "Maritime Security Law," which allows the Coast Guard to use weapons.
And the foreign ministers of the four countries agreed to strongly oppose China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and to promote the free and open Indo-Pacific, such as Europe and Southeast Asia. We confirmed the policy of further deepening cooperation with the countries.
They also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea, countermeasures against the new coronavirus, and the situation in Myanmar where a military coup d'etat occurred, and agreed that it is necessary to restore the democratic political system as soon as possible.
"This meeting, hosted by Secretary of State Blinken, demonstrates the Biden administration's strong commitment to the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Motegi told reporters. Of course, the importance of cooperation between the two countries is also in agreement. "
The four countries are coordinating an online summit meeting within the month.