TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan's latest diplomatic report stresses the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while expressing concern about China's intensified military activities around Japan and Taiwan.
Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi presented the 2025 Diplomatic Bluebook findings on Tuesday at a Cabinet meeting, per CNA. In his preface, Iwaya pointed to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and the security environment in East Asia as signs the international landscape remains highly challenging.
Iwaya outlined three major priorities for Japan’s foreign policy under his leadership. This includes strengthening the Japan-US alliance, and cooperating with allies and like-minded countries to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Bluebook says that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and China's growing attempts in East Asia to change the status quo are challenging the international order based on the rule of law. It also noted that in the East Asian region surrounding Japan, North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
It said that China is attempting to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including around the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyutai Islands). The Bluebook says that China continues to intensify military activities near Japan, resulting in "the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II.”
It said that last year both Chinese and Russian military aircraft violated Japanese airspace. In addition, it said China had employed "coercive and intimidating maneuvers" in the South China Sea and conducted military exercises around Taiwan.
The Bluebook also cited the joint statement issued after the February meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and US President Donald Trump, which said:
“The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community."
Although Japan’s Diplomatic Bluebook usually covers events from the previous year, this latest version also includes major developments from early this year, such as the Ishiba-Trump meeting.
