According to the Radio Free Asia, "With an eye on China, Japan plans 2 + 2 talks with Philippines, India: China’s growing maritime assertiveness is expected to be high on the agenda of the foreign and defense ministers."
Japan plans to hold so-called "two-plus-two" meetings with the Philippines and India to discuss maritime security including in the South China Sea, a move analysts say could send a message to Beijing about Tokyo’s determination to foster ties with like-minded partners.
“Two-plus-two” are ministerial-level meetings that involve both foreign and defense ministers of participating countries.
Unnamed diplomatic sources were quoted by Kyodo News Agency as saying that arrangements are being made for Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi to meet with their Philippine counterparts in early April, and their Indian counterparts in mid-April in Tokyo.
