Bringing together 64 countries, the EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, on Friday 21 November, provided an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its desire to pursue partnerships “based on respect for international law” in the region, against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop.
“You must not put all your eggs in one basket. The aim is to see how these relations can contribute to the diversification of our trade and our partnerships in terms of defence and security”, said the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, at a press conference.
Russian aggression in Ukraine. The High Representative explained that the discussions had focused in part on Russia’s war in Ukraine as a threat to Europe’s security, “but also to that of the Indo-Pacific region and to a rules-based international order”.
She considered that Russia’s actions could inspire countries in the region “with an appetite for neighbouring territories”.
Earlier, at the Forum, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arfiya Eri, said that “the assertive military activities of China, North Korea and Russia” in the vicinity of the archipelago and in the region were giving rise to “serious concerns”.
China and Russia are “reshaping” the world order. As in previous years, China was not invited to the Ministerial Forum, “given that there are other formats for exchanging views on Sino-European relations”, as justified by several participants, including the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul.
In a speech to the guest ministers, Ms Kallas openly criticised Beijing for its “dual-use” exports, which are fuelling the war being waged by Russia.
She also added: “China and Russia are working together to reshape the global economic and security order. This concerns us all”.
She also indicated that the EU had discussed the issue of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ with the countries directly concerned, which had received particular attention at the previous day’s ‘Foreign Affairs’ Council (see EUROPE 13756/2).
More broadly, the discussions focused on maritime safety, including an event devoted to the protection of critical maritime infrastructures, which took place in the afternoon. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)