Japan and France underlined the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in a joint statement released this Wednesday, April 1. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Tokyo, releasing the statement following the meeting.

Takaichi and Macron exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, including China and North Korea, per Nikkei.

Last November, Takaichi stated during a parliamentary session that Chinese military action against Taiwan would threaten Japan, prompting strong backlash from Beijing. Despite a U.S. intelligence assessment claiming that the remarks represent a “significant shift” in Japanese policy, last month Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara disagreed, saying the approach remains “quite consistent.”

Takaichi and Macron shared concerns regarding export controls on critical minerals and other materials that could affect global supply chains. 

Takaichi said European security is closely linked to Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, making the situation in the Middle East a common and pressing issue for both France and Japan. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Japanese prime minister and French president concurred to collaborate on de-escalation, ensuring a stable supply of critical materials, and strengthening defense.