Japan and Germany hold virtual summit on growing Chinese influence

The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and Germany held their first virtual meeting Tuesday, to the backdrop of a growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. "In the face of multiple threats to the Indo-Pacific region and on our own doorstep in Europe, it is essential that we intensify our bilateral dialogue," German foreign minister Heiko Maas said. He stressed that Japan was one of Germany's "most important and reliable" partners. Japan's foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi said he welcomed the decision to develop a framework for the region.

He said there was a need for unity among "like-minded nations" that share basic values. Japan has concerns about China's military buildup and claims to territory in the South and East China Seas. However, its major trade and investment interests in China have at times reined in its criticism of its larger neighbor.

(Image Credit: AP)