Japan to invite visits by defense officials from Pacific island nations

Japan will invite young and midlevel defense officials from Pacific island countries for around weeklong visits from fiscal 2026, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Monday.

Koizumi unveiled the initiative during a meeting in Tokyo with defense ministers from 14 Pacific island nations, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

In light of China’s growing presence in the South Pacific, he emphasized the need for cooperation between Japan and the island nations across a wide range of fields, including strengthening cybersecurity.

At the meeting, the third of its kind since it began in 2021, seven members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including Indonesia and the Philippines, participated as observers for the first time.

Japan’s welcoming of defense officials will begin with three countries. They are expected to engage in exchanges of opinions and troop inspections during their stays in Japan.

Koizumi called on the island countries to strengthen bonds and build a self-driven, resilient region together.