Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Monday called for cooperation with Pacific island nations in ensuring maritime security, stressing the need for "free and open" oceans, apparently with China in mind.In his keynote speech at a Japan-hosted meeting of defense authorities in Tokyo, Koizumi said, "attempts to change the status quo by force must never be tolerated," as he expressed hope to reaffirm their "unwavering commitment to peace."Defense ministers and other officials from island nations in the Pacific, as well as partner countries, discussed maritime challenges, such as ensuri…READ FULL ARTICLE
