PALM10 Summit Deepens Japan's Ties with Pacific Island Nations

The Tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) concluded on July 18. Leaders from 18 Pacific island nations and regions convened in Japan at the Tokyo government's invitation to address important challenges. 

First, however, there was a celebration of their significance to Japan.

Imperial Hospitality

On July 17, Their Majesties, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea ceremony for the Pacific Island leaders at the Imperial Palace. Several leaders traveled to Japan with their spouses, who were also welcomed at this event. 

Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kako were also in attendance. Empress Masako and Princess Kako, dressed in kimono, warmly welcomed them with smiles. 

His Majesty delivered remarks in English at the beginning of the tea ceremony. He noted that the last summit had been conducted via video conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PALM summits are convened every three years. Welcoming the leaders in person after six years, he said, was "truly meaningful." 

Throughout the ceremony, His Majesty expressed his hope for enhanced friendly relations and cooperation between Japan and the Pacific Island nations and regions.

The tea ceremony, also offering light snacks and beverages such as juice, was held in a standing reception style. Following its conclusion, Their Majesties escorted the attendees to the southern carriage porch near the palace's main entrance. There, they waved goodbye as the leaders and their spouses boarded the bus returned to the city.

A 'Joint Action Plan'

On the final day of the summit, Pacific Island leaders and Japan issued a Leaders' Declaration and Joint Action Plan. In the declaration, they affirmed the importance of shared values such as freedom and democracy. 

Furthermore, they underscored the necessity of upholding a "free and open international rules-based order." With China's increasing influence in the region in mind, the declaration explicitly stated strong opposition to "any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by the threat or use of force or coercion anywhere in the world."

Addressing concerns regarding China, the summit declaration opted for indirect references. It aims to achieve balanced diplomacy and rebuild trust with diverse countries and regions.

Climate Initiatives and Nuclear Safety

Japan's proposed seven priority cooperation areas in the Joint Action Plan encompass climate change and disaster resilience, as well as resources and economic development. These areas correspond to the seven pillars of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, serving as chair, underscored a supportive stance towards island nations confronting the perils of rising sea levels. He unveiled the Pacific Climate Resilience Initiative, centered on disaster relief support. 

Elsewhere, the declaration mentioned Tokyo Electric Power Company's release of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. It referenced an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report in which the leaders recognized the IAEA as "the authority on nuclear safety." Moreover, it stated that the release of ALPS treated water "has been carried out in line with relevant international safety standards."

People, Security and Unity

The meetings also brought people-to-people cooperation and assistance into specific focus. Japan's programs aim to benefit more than 6,500 people over the next three years through human resource development initiatives.  

Prime Minister Kishida's emphasis on fostering unity and trust is driven by the strategic significance of the Pacific island nations. Situated along the sea lanes connecting Australia and Japan, they are critical for Japan's national interests. 

This focus is underscored by China's efforts to extend its military and economic influence in the region. However, island nations navigating the balance between the United States and China often hesitate to explicitly mention China in multilateral meetings. 

As a result, while mindful of China, the summit declaration refrains from naming specific nations. Instead, it acknowledges "concern" about "rapid military buildup" that does not contribute to ensuring a "peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region." As one foreign ministry official explained, it is designed to be "not overly confrontational within the overall framework."

Japan aims to enhance the maritime security capabilities of island nations. It plans to do this through initiatives like Official Security Assistance (OSA), which supports allied forces. Furthermore, the Joint Action Plan includes measures to strengthen defense cooperation through port calls by Self-Defense Forces aircraft and vessels. It also aims to enhance exchanges with maritime security agencies.

RELATED:

• PALM10 and the New Caledonia Problem
• EDITORIAL | Crises That PALM10 Must Tackle: Climate and China
• Challenge Beijing's Coercive Pacific Islands Aid with Balance of Power
  
  

(Read related article in Japanese.)

Author: Takao Harakawa and others at The Sankei Shimbun