Japan, Pacific islands to boost security ties as China's influence grows

Summit cites 'increasing complexity' of geopolitics, though views of Beijing differ

Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting participants pose during their summit in Tokyo on July 18. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)

SHAUN TURTON, Nikkei staff writer

July 18, 2024 17:54 JST

Updated on July 18, 2024 20:32 JST

TOKYO -- Japan and Pacific island nations agreed on Thursday to increase security, trade and climate cooperation following a three-day summit in which Tokyo sought to deepen ties with its island neighbors as China makes further diplomatic headway in the vast region.

The 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, or PALM10, was attended by the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.