11. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of further strengthening and
broadening the people-to-people links between the two countries. In this regard, they
welcomed the opportunity for the people of Japan and New Zealand to reconnect
following the disruptions of the pandemic and easing of border restrictions. Both leaders
looked forward to the resumptions of regular air links, tourism, education, trade,
business, scientific and cultural exchanges in person between our two countries.
Indo-Pacific and Beyond
12. The two leaders expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea,
which undermines regional peace and stability. They shared the intention to remain in
close communication about the situation in the East China Sea and expressed strong
opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo by force and increase
tensions in the area.
13.
The two leaders stated their serious concerns about the situation in the South China
Sea including militarisation, and maritime claims and activities that are inconsistent with
the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and opposed any unilateral actions
that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the international rulesbased order. They reaffirmed the importance of resolving maritime disputes in
accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. The Prime Ministers reiterated
that all claims to maritime zones must be consistent with the relevant provisions of
UNCLOS and called on both parties to comply with the July 2016 Arbitral Award on the
South China Sea, which is final and legally binding.
14. The two leaders stated their grave concerns regarding human rights situation in
Xinjiang, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong which undermines the
high degree of autonomy enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic
Law.
15. Both leaders strongly condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear
weapons and ballistic missiles. They urged North Korea to cease provocative actions, and
to fully comply with all of its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council
resolutions. They also reiterated their commitment to achieving the complete, verifiable
and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles
of all ranges of North Korea in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The leaders emphasised their shared commitment to fully implementing and upholding
all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions including addressing North Korea’s
sanctions evading tactics such as “ship-to-ship transfers”. Prime Minister Kishida
welcomed New Zealand's engagement in monitoring and surveillance activities by aircraft
against such illicit maritime activities. Prime Minister Ardern expressed understanding
and strong support for Japan in its efforts to immediately resolve the abductions issue.
16. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their enhanced partnership with ASEAN to
maintain an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They reiterated their
strong support for ASEAN unity and centrality and their full support for the “ASEAN
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