Japan's foreign minister has called on countries to adhere to international rules and standards when extending financial support to developing nations.

Hayashi Yoshimasa spoke at an international conference on development and finance in Paris on Thursday.

He did not directly mention China, but some experts have claimed Beijing is expanding its influence overseas by providing so-called "debt trap" loans to developing nations.

Hayashi said that "any development finance must be transparent and fair, not undermining the debt sustainability in developing countries."

Hayashi indicated that Japan will offer assistance to countries while respecting what he called their "governing capability," so that development can be better sustained.

He is believed to have made the comment with a view to boosting relations with emerging and developing nations, collectively known as the Global South.

Hayashi said Japan is continuing its efforts to expand its official development assistance. He said its ODA was the third-highest in the world last year at some 17.5 billion dollars.

He emphasized that Japan "takes the lead in financing" solutions to global issues, particularly in the fields of climate change and global health."

Hayashi also said global progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is "being delayed" by the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The goals include eradicating poverty and ensuring access to quality education.