Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, agreed Monday to enhance cooperation in economic security, such as strengthening supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals.

During their first strategic dialogue, held at the Foreign Ministry¡¯s Iikura Guest House in Tokyo, Iwaya told Wadephul that the international rules-based order continues to face challenges and that the need for cooperation and collaboration between Japan and Germany is increasing.

The visit is Wadephul¡¯s first to Japan since taking office in May.

Wadephul said that Japan is a special Asian partner with shared values and interests. Germany is strengthening its involvement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Referring to China¡¯s moves in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas, Wadephul said Beijing is becoming ¡°increasingly aggressive.¡±

¡°China repeatedly threatens, more or less openly, to unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favor,¡± Wadephul said after meeting with Iwaya.

¡°Any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy,¡± he added.

In the joint press statement in Tokyo, Wadephul also criticized ¡°China¡¯s support for the Russian war machine¡± in Ukraine.

¡°Without it, the war of aggression against Ukraine would not be possible. China is Russia¡¯s largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia¡¯s best oil and gas customer,¡± Wadephul said.

Germany¡¯s top diplomat said ahead of talks later Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv were ¡°crucial.¡±

Trump¡¯s summit on Friday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska ¡°made it clear that for a just and lasting peace, Moscow must finally act. Until that happens, pressure on Russia must be increased, including with increased aid to Ukraine,¡± Wadephul said.