Japan and France plan to hold security talks between ministers in mid-January focusing on China’s foreign missions in the east and south China and the development of North Korean nuclear weapons and missiles, Japanese government sources said.
The defense ministers and foreign ministers of both countries are expected to release documents after the two-plus-two talks, the first of its kind since the last session was held in France in January 2019, sources said on Friday.
The two sides are likely to discuss ways to improve their response capabilities against Indo-Pacific military threats, especially after North Korea on Friday made what was the third launch of a virtual ballistic missile in 10 days.
Amid concerns about China’s maritime growth, Japanese and French ministers are expected to ensure co-operation in achieving the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and deepen security cooperation, according to sources.
Upcoming talks will include Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and various French counterparts Jean-Yves Le Drian and Florence Parly.
Tokyo and Paris had planned to hold a meeting between two and two people in Japan in late 2021 but postponed it due to the coronavirus epidemic, which was recently fueled by the rapid spread of the highly contagious omicron. different.
Japan and France have often taken turns holding such meetings since their first session in 2014.
Earlier this month, Japan and Australia signed a defense cooperation agreement called the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which limits restrictions on the movement of weapons and equipment for joint training and disaster relief activities.
France, calling Japan its “special partner,” has expressed its desire to sign such an agreement with Japan, as Tokyo has strengthened maritime security relations with the European nation, which has overseas territories in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tokyo has been strengthening security cooperation with European countries such as Britain and Germany in response to the growing China, with the French Jeanne d’Arc training fleet making a call to the port in Japan last May.
Japan and France have been conducting joint tests, coordinated by the United States and Australia.