To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri/ Handout via Reuters Group of Seven defense ministers attend the first day of their meeting in Naples, Italy, on Saturday.
By Yumiko Kurashige, Naohiro Tamura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers
15:32 JST, October 20, 2024
NAPLES, Italy — Defense Minister Gen Nakatani called for a free and open Indo-Pacific at a meeting of the Group of Seven defense ministers in Naples, Italy, on Saturday.
Nakatani highlighted China’s repeated acts of hegemony in the East and South China Seas and opposed any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. He also reportedly expressed concerns about North Korea, which has been strengthening its ties with Russia as the latter continues its aggression against Ukraine.
Nakatani led the meeting as part of an effort to raise awareness about the situation in the Indo-Pacific, which was a top concern at a meeting of defense ministers from North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries in Belgium on Thursday.
