Defense cooperation

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi: Unilateral attempts to change the status quo have been continuing in the East and South China Seas. Japan is closely monitoring China’s enforcement of the new maritime security law with a high level of interest.

Japanese, British governments: We share serious concerns about the situation in the East and South China Seas and confirm the importance of free and open maritime order based on the rule of law. We share strong concerns about China’s enforcement of the new maritime security law.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace: The U.K. will dispatch a carrier strike group to East Asia this year. The purpose of the dispatch is to demonstrate our ability and further promote cooperation.

Japanese government: We welcome the U.K.’s decision to deploy a carrier strike group.

Both governments: We will coordinate joint exercises between the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the British Armed Forces when the U.K. dispatches a carrier strike group.

China

Both governments: We share grave concerns about the human rights situations in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.