Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed last Tuesday to enhance cooperation with leaders from Pacific island nations, as Japan, a key U.S. ally in Asia, seeks to counteract China’s increasing military and economic influence in the region.

Kishida engaged in bilateral talks with representatives from Pacific island countries such as Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Japan is hosting the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Tokyo, spanning three days until Thursday.

During the summit, discussions between Kishida and Pacific island leaders are anticipated to cover topics including climate change and maritime concerns, particularly relevant as some low-lying nations in the region face significant risks from rapidly changing sea levels.

Kishida is also expected to provide reassurances to leaders regarding Japan’s management of treated radioactive water released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which suffered meltdowns after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

On the summit’s final day, leaders are slated to express strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through coercion or force. This sentiment, indicated in a draft of their declaration earlier this month, is likely aimed at China.

“I aim to further solidify the ties between Japan and Pacific island nations and demonstrate to the world our shared direction forward,” Kishida remarked during his meeting with Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo.

The Pacific islands summit, involving 18 countries and territories including Australia and New Zealand, has convened every three years since 1997.