TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed a joint statement by Japan and France reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued the statement after Wednesday’s France-Japan summit. Taiwan's foreign ministry said the inclusion of concerns about the Taiwan Strait shows security has become a key concern for major democratic partners.

CNA reported that statement emphasized that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential to regional security and prosperity. It also urged all parties to resolve differences through constructive dialogue and peaceful means.

The ministry said the statement expressed firm opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. It added that this reflects a shared commitment by Japan and France to uphold international law and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

UDN reported that this is the first time Japan and France have jointly expressed strong concern over Taiwan Strait stability in an official leaders’ statement.