「円滑化協定」視野に議論開始　日仏、防衛協力強化で一致

　日仏両政府は２０日、外務・防衛担当閣僚協議（２プラス２）をテレビ会議形式で開き、共同声明を発表した。覇権主義的な動きを強める中国を念頭に、防衛協力を強化することで一致。自衛隊と仏軍の相互訪問の法的基盤となる「円滑化協定（ＲＡＡ）」の締結も視野に、事務レベルで議論を開始することを確認した。
　共同声明では、東・南シナ海での中国による一方的な現状変更の試みや威圧に反対すると明言。香港や新疆ウイグル自治区の人権状況に深刻な懸念を表明し、台湾海峡の平和と安定の重要性を強調した。北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発の進展にも深刻な懸念を示した。（2022/01/21-01:42）

The Japanese and French governments agreed to enhance their defense cooperation at so-called two-plus-two talks among their foreign and defense ministers on Thursday, aiming to keep China's hegemonic moves in check.
   The two sides also confirmed that they will start working-level talks, with a view to concluding a reciprocal access agreement, or RAA, that serves as a legal basis for mutual visits by Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the French military.
   The two-plus-two talks between Japan and France, held via video conference, were the first since January 2019 and the sixth so far.
   The virtual meeting was attended by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, as well as their French counterparts, Jean-Yves Le Drian and Florence Parly, respectively.
   In a joint statement released after the talks, the two governments said they will oppose China's unilateral attempts to change the status quo and its coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.