Foreign ministers from G7 countries gathered in Munich, Germany, on February 16 to discuss the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They confirmed the importance of coordinated responses. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi outlined Japan's stance on recent Indo-Pacific developments.
The G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Munich took place on Saturday, February 16, 2026, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Attendees included Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Motegi presented Japan's position on recent Indo-Pacific developments, noting strained Japan-China relations since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Diet remark on a survival-threatening situation linked to a Taiwan contingency. He stressed the need to strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries to bolster the resilience of global supply chains, including those for critical minerals and rare earths.
Following the meeting, Motegi participated in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, which began the previous day. He criticized Russia's aggression against Ukraine as "an act that undermines the foundation of the international order." Referring to China, he highlighted unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas, stating that security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.
Motegi also advanced Japan's stance on promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, detailing initiatives to enhance defense capabilities. He affirmed Japan's commitment to broadening security cooperation with the United States and strengthening the deterrent and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
France holds the G7 presidency this year and plans a summit in mid-June in Evian. Coordination is underway for another foreign ministers' meeting in late March ahead of the summit.
