Beijing on Tuesday dismissed the joint “free and open Indo‑Pacific” declaration by India and Japan as a “political slogan” that would not earn China “genuine recognition” in the region. The remarks came after Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced the initiative at a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, emphasizing cooperation on critical minerals, maritime security and the rule of law.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters the two‑nation statement “lacks substance” and “is aimed at containing China’s development”. She added that China would “continue to safeguard its legitimate maritime rights and interests” and that any external attempts to shape the Indo‑Pacific narrative would be “counter‑productive”.
India and Japan, both signatories to the Quad, framed the declaration as a response to growing security challenges and supply‑chain vulnerabilities, especially in rare‑earth elements and other critical minerals. Jaishankar said the partnership would “enhance transparency and resilience” in the sector, while Kamikawa highlighted the need for a “rules‑based order” to ensure peaceful navigation.
Analysts note that the Chinese rebuttal reflects a broader pattern of Beijing pushing back against initiatives that it perceives as aligning regional states with U.S. strategic frameworks. The “free and open Indo‑Pacific” language has been a cornerstone of U.S. and Quad diplomacy, and Beijing’s criticism may be intended to signal its unwillingness to be excluded from shaping regional norms.
The diplomatic exchange underscores the tightening strategic competition in the Indo‑Pacific, where overlapping claims in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and emerging technology supply chains create friction among the world’s largest economies.
Analysis:
China’s response serves both a rhetorical and a strategic purpose. By denying the “genuine recognition” of the India‑Japan initiative, Beijing aims to delegitimize a narrative that could be used to justify increased U.S. and Quad presence near its maritime periphery. The emphasis on “political slogan” suggests an attempt to portray the declaration as lacking concrete policy outcomes, thereby casting doubt on its efficacy.
For India and Japan, the joint statement is a diplomatic signal to both regional partners and domestic audiences that they are proactive in addressing supply‑chain security and maritime governance. Their focus on critical minerals aligns with broader efforts to diversify away from Chinese dominance in that market.
The exchange is likely to intensify diplomatic engagements in the coming months, as all three nations balance economic interdependence with strategic rivalry. Observers will watch for any concrete steps—such as joint research projects or maritime exercises—that could move the “free and open Indo‑Pacific” from rhetoric to actionable policy.
Sources
Indian Express, “Beijing comments on ‘free and open Indo‑Pacific’, critical minerals” (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/beijing-comments-on-free-and-open-indo-pacific-critical-minerals-10770439/)
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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