ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
July 23, 2026
On July 23, commencing at 10:00 a.m. local time (11:00 a.m., JST) for about 3 hours, the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was held in Manila, the Philippines. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the meeting.
- Minister MOTEGI made the following remarks:
- General Remarks
The security of Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region is closely interconnected. The international situation is becoming increasingly severe and uncertain. Under these circumstances, I would like to stress the importance of further confidence-building and preventive diplomacy. - Maritime Security
Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are unacceptable anywhere in the world, including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Japan strongly expects that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) will be in accordance with UNCLOS and respect the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders using the South China Sea. - North Korea
The complete denuclearization of North Korea is an obligation under international law for all UN member states, as set out by the UN Security Council. Sanctions evasion and malicious cyber activities must not facilitate illegal nuclear and missile development. Japan calls for the continued understanding and cooperation of each country on the abductions issue. - Russia's aggression against Ukraine
Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order, and unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated. Japan will continue to work with the international community to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. - Arms Control and Disarmament
Under growing security concerns in the region, we need to encourage dialogue on nuclear disarmament and arms control among nuclear-weapon states under the NPT, and pursue efforts such as the universalization of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation.
- General Remarks
- Remarks by other ARF members
- Many participating members commended the role that ARF has played in confidence-building and other areas.
- Many participating members stated their positions on the South China Sea situation, the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law.
- Regarding North Korea, some participating members made remarks about the importance of its complete denuclearization and expressed concerns about the advancement of its nuclear and missile development.