Hayashi At Asean: Japan Opposes Changing Status Quo By Force
Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has stressed that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated anywhere in the world.
Hayashi made the remarks at a meeting with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Thursday. ASEAN is holding a series of in-person meetings in Cambodia that are the first of their kind in three years.
Hayashi pledged continued support to help ASEAN members respond to the coronavirus crisis. He also expressed support for an initiative known as the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific region.
He strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a clear violation of international law, and said that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world.
Hayashi also stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Apparently with China's maritime activities in mind, the Japanese foreign minister expressed strong opposition to any moves to continue and strengthen attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas.
ASEAN foreign ministers pointed to the importance of free navigation in the waters as well as the freedom of overflight above the areas.
With regard to the situation in Myanmar, Hayashi expressed grave concerns over the executions of four pro-democracy activists, including a former lawmaker and aide to the country's ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
He reiterated a call for Myanmar's military to end its violence immediately and release people it is detaining.
Hayashi said Japan will present a vision for the future when the country hosts an ASEAN summit next year to welcome the 50th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation between Japan and the association.