Asia

Minister Kono noted with appreciation the fact that ARF has been implementing a number of practical activities in the field of security, including non-traditional security issues, since its establishment and has become a main multilateral forum to enhance political and security dialogue and cooperation. He stated that Japan will continue to contribute to making the ARF process more meaningful and effective.
Many participants described the ARF as an appropriate forum for enhancing confidence building among the participants through, candid exchanges of viewa on non-traditional threats such as cyber, terrorism and climate change.

Minister Kono stated that Japan welcomes “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” and that ASEAN centrality and unity is one of the important basic principles in Japan’s vision for upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific. He also announced that Japan will promote cooperation through partnership with ASEAN and other countries in an inclusive manner.
Some participants explained their views and concepts on the Indo-Pacific. Reaffirming commonality among them, they expressed their intention to continue discussing the way to seek synergy among them.

Minister Kono stated that Japan supports and welcomes the recent meeting between the leaders of US and North Korea,　and hopes that US-North Korea talks will lead to concrete actions towards complete, verifiable and irreversible of all WMDs and ballistic missiles of all ranges of North Korea. Minister Kono introduced that, time and again, Prime Minister Abe has been expressing his determination to meet directly with Chairman Kim without any preconditions. Minister Kono stated that Japan’s positionbased on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration has never changed and that Japan will make earnest efforts to resolve outstanding issues between Japan and North Korea, including the abductions issue in order to normalize the relationship. Minister Kono also stated that Japan will spare no effort to unlock the potential of North Korea.

Minister Kono stressed that the parties concerned need to resolve their conflict peacefully and to pursue demilitarization of disputed features. In this regard, he stated that Japan hopes that the conclusion of COC would lead to a peaceful and open South China Sea. He underlined that ARF also needs to deliver a strong message expressing serious concern over the worsening situation reflecting the basic principles that ASEAN has upheld.
Almost all of the participants took up the South China Sea issue and referred to the importance of securing the freedom of navigation and overflight as well as peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with the international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Many participants stressed the importance of non-militarization as well as self-restraint. Moreover, many participants referred to the necessity of an effective substantive Code of Conduct (COC).