New Delhi: China has strongly criticised the India-Japan emphasis on a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, asserting that the concept does not reflect the aspirations of countries in the region. The remarks came after Takaichi concluded her three-day visit to India, during which the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation across security, technology, economic resilience and regional stability.
On Friday, Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, referred to comments made a day earlier by Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guo argued that the idea of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” runs contrary to the shared goals of peace, development and cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. According to him, the concept would not gain genuine recognition from regional nations.
Guo stressed that safeguarding the post-Second World War international order, along with upholding the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, remains essential for ensuring peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. He called on regional countries to work collectively towards building an open, stable, interconnected, inclusive and mutually beneficial regional framework based on cooperation rather than confrontation.
China also responded to the announcement by India and Japan that they would deepen cooperation in the field of critical minerals, an area considered crucial for emerging technologies, clean energy and resilient supply chains. Beijing maintained that cooperation between countries should not target any third nation or undermine its interests. It further cautioned against creating exclusive strategic groupings or “small blocs” under the guise of economic or technological collaboration.
Chinese officials emphasised that international cooperation should contribute to greater mutual trust, strengthen regional peace and help maintain the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains. They urged all countries to adopt an open and cooperative approach while addressing common economic and strategic challenges.
The India-Japan joint statement, issued after the summit on Thursday, also highlighted concerns over developments in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Although China was not mentioned by name, both leaders expressed strong opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion. They also reiterated their commitment to protecting freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law while expressing concern over the increasing militarisation of disputed maritime features.
In another significant development, India and Japan discussed the formulation of a Strategic Outlook for Expanding Japan-India Cooperation in Africa, a move widely seen as an effort to enhance their partnership on the African continent amid growing geopolitical competition.
