As China’s Pacific influence grows, Japan eyes deeper ties with island nations amid their domestic woes

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa told reporters she agreed with the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) on the importance of the “international rules-based order”.

She added that Japan would continue to provide explanations based on “scientific evidence” about the release of treated waste water from Fukushima.

The gathering aimed to lay the groundwork for the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting – held once every three years since 1997 – set to convene in Tokyo this July.

Given Japan’s attempts to understand local needs, economic development and climate change mitigation, including disaster relief, “would remain a priority”, said Kei Koga, an associate professor in the public policy and global affairs programme at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

Under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework launched last year, which aims to help developing nations strengthen their security, Fiji was listed as a priority country, Koga noted.

In December, Japan agreed to provide Fiji with US$2.7 million in security assistance, including patrol boats, and in future, Tokyo was likely to use a mix of OSA and overseas development help to strengthen the capacities of regional countries, Koga said.

“[This includes] maritime domain awareness and law enforcement capabilities to ensure maritime security,” he said, adding that Japan should also address the “long-standing concern of nuclear issues” in regards to the discharge of Fukushima waste water.

“Without understanding their socially embedded concerns, it would be difficult to gain trust,” Koga said.

Over the years, Japan has supported the region by setting up and expanding hospitals, building roads and bridges, and assisting with climate change mitigation and