Kishida and Pena Reaffirm Commitment to Free and Open International Order

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena held a summit meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay on May 3, 2024, where they reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order. The meeting, which lasted approximately 60 minutes, saw the two leaders agree that attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force in East Asia should not be tolerated.

Why this matters: This joint commitment sends a strong message to countries attempting to alter the status quo through force, and underscores the importance of upholding international law and resolving disputes peacefully. As tensions continue to rise in East Asia, this united front can help to prevent further escalation and promote regional stability.

This stance is particularly significant given Paraguay's unique position as the only country in South America to havediplomatic relationswith Taiwan. Kishida and Pena also agreed to strengthen ties between Japan and Mercosur countries, a customs union comprising Paraguay, Brazil, and others.

The summit meeting was followed by a joint press announcement, where the two leaders likely reiterated their shared commitment to a free and open international order. Prime Minister Kishida was accompanied by Japanese business representatives, who also attended a dinner hosted by President Pena following the summit.

Japan and Paraguay have a long history of diplomatic relations, with the two countries first establishing ties in 1919. Over the years, they have collaborated on various economic, cultural, and political initiatives. The latest summit meeting between Kishida and Pena underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining a rules-based international order and opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

As tensions continue to simmer in East Asia, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, the united front presented by Japan and Paraguay sends a strong message about the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. Their commitment to strengthening ties with Mercosur countries also highlights the growing importance of inter-regional cooperation in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The summit meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Pena in Asuncion reaffirms the shared values and principles that underpin the Japan-Paraguay relationship. As the two countries work together to promote a free and open international order and oppose unilateral changes to the status quo, they are setting an example for other nations to follow in the pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Key Takeaways

• Japan and Paraguay reaffirm commitment to free and open international order.
• Leaders agree to oppose unilateral changes to status quo by force in East Asia.
• Paraguay's unique ties with Taiwan make this stance significant.
• Japan and Paraguay aim to strengthen ties with Mercosur countries.
• United front promotes peaceful dispute resolution and international law.