The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and France held talks on Thursday as the two countries seek to deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

This meeting was held amid the rising tensions due to China's military build up and North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, accompanied by Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, described France as an indispensable partner in achieving the goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The talks among the four ministers, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Defense Minister Florence Parly, were the first since 2019 and were held virtually.

The security environment surrounding Japan and France is increasingly severe and uncertain, with some countries attempting to change the status quo with force, Kishi said.

He also noted North Korea's nuclear and missile development and its recent advancement in missile technology which could make them more difficult to intercept. North Korea has test-fired ballistic missiles four times this month.

Japan, the United States, Australia, and India are promoting the goal as a counter to China's growing influence and assertiveness in pushing its territorial claims in the region, which has some of the world's busiest sea lanes.

Japan and France have already concluded several security agreements, including on defense equipment and technology transfer. The 2+2 defense and diplomatic talks with France came after Japan held similar talks with the United States earlier this month.

Image credit: KYODO