At the ASEAN Plus Three summit on Thursday, Ishiba expressed opposition to forceful attempts to alter the status quo, referencing the region's tense security situation. He also urged a firm international response to North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile programs.
During the ASEAN-Japan meeting, Ishiba highlighted the longstanding partnership between Japan and ASEAN. "Japan wishes to shape and safeguard the future together with ASEAN, which shares principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and is a growth center of the world," he said.
The Japanese leader raised concerns about actions violating national sovereignty in the East China Sea, where Japan and China dispute control of the Senkaku Islands. He also noted apprehensions regarding "militarization and coercive acts" in the South China Sea.
Ishiba held talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost bilateral cooperation. He also separately spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, agreeing to pursue mutually beneficial relations.
The meetings, which began on Wednesday, will conclude with the East Asia Summit on Friday, including representatives from 18 nations such as Australia, India, Russia, and the United States.
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