茂木氏、東・南シナ海で中国けん制　日ＡＳＥＡＮ外相がテレビ会議

　茂木敏充外相は３日、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）外相とのテレビ会議に出席した。東・南シナ海で軍事的圧力を強める中国に関し「一方的な現状変更の試みに強く反対する」とけん制。法の支配や紛争の平和的解決の重要性を訴えた。ＡＳＥＡＮ側からは、南シナ海の航行の自由や非軍事化についての発言が出された。
　茂木氏は会議の冒頭、「ＡＳＥＡＮは日本にとって『自由で開かれたインド太平洋』実現の要だ」と述べ、各国と連携を進める考えを表明。日本とＡＳＥＡＮの友好関係が５０周年を迎える２０２３年に各国首脳を日本に招き、特別首脳会議を実施する意向を示した。（2021/08/03-20:17）

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday voiced strong opposition to China's increasing military pressure in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
   In a video conference with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Motegi said his country opposes attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. He underscored the significance of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
   There were remarks from ASEAN participants on freedom of navigation and demilitarization in the South China Sea, according to Japanese officials.
   At the beginning of the meeting, Motegi said ASEAN is importance for Japan to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
   He said Japan plans to host a special summit with ASEAN in 2023, when the Japan-ASEAN friendship marks the 50th year.