ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

Minister Kamikawa emphasized the growing importance of the ARF, noting the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law as the world faces compounding crises, and then stated the followings.

1. Any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable, not only in the seas surrounding Japan such as the East China Sea but also anywhere in the world. In particular, militarization and coercive activities continue in the South China Sea. As for the Code of Conduct (COC), it should respect the legitimate rights and interests of all stakeholders who use the South China Sea. The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally-binding on the parties to the proceedings. We strongly hope that compliance with the award. Peace and Stability across the Taiwan Strait are important for the region and the international community.
   Other participating members expressed concern about the situation in the South China Sea, emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, and peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law.
2. Japan is seriously concerned about nuclear and missile activities of North Korea and the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Japan calls on North Korea to take concrete actions to achieve the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges. Japan urges North Korea to resume substantive dialogue. Japan continues to ask for understanding and cooperation from all countries for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
   Other participating members expressed concerns about North Korea’s provocative behavior, and emphasized the importance of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the necessity to resolve the abductions issue.
3. Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. Japan will continue to offer maximum support to Chair and ASEAN’s efforts to implement the “Five-Point Consensus.”
   Other participating members expressed serious concerns about the situation in Myanmar and stressed the importance of implementing the “Five-Point Consensus”.
4. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of the UN Charter. Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its potential use of nuclear weapons, are absolutely inadmissible. It is crucial for Russia to withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace as soon as possible.
   Other participating members expressed serious concerns about the situation in Ukraine, and condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
5. The situation in Gaza is at a critical juncture on the way forward the release of hostages and a conclusion of negotiations for ceasefire. In addition to humanitarian assistance, the international community as a whole needs to support the reconstruction and peacebuilding process.
   Other participating members called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and cooperation from the international community.
6. As the only country ever to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan is strongly committed to leading international efforts toward a world free from nuclear weapons. Aligned with the Hiroshima Action Plan at the 2022 NPT Review Conference, Japan will advance realistic and practical efforts.

Finally, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan has made valuable contributions to various activities under the ARF, and Japan would like to continue to collaborating with other countries to ensure the ARF’s progressive development.