Yomiuri reported that the GOJ and the French government plan to hold a 2+2 foreign and defense ministerial meeting in Tokyo in late January with the goal of curbing China’s maritime advancement in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. While projecting that the participants will affirm the importance of the rule of law and freedom of navigation, the article said the Japanese side is hoping to enlist support from France for the U.S.-Japan diplomatic initiative of creating a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” The four ministers are also expected to discuss North Korea and bilateral defense cooperation, including accelerated discussions on an acquisition and cross servicing agreement and increased joint training between the two militaries. The daily added that in a planned 2+2 meeting with the UK to be held in London on Thursday, the Japanese side will explain the Indo-Pacific initiative.