Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has conveyed his concerns over China's activities in the East and South China seas to leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian nations.

Kishida met with the ASEAN leaders in Cambodia on Saturday.

He noted that next year marks the 50th anniversary of friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and the 10-member ASEAN.

ASEAN leaders agreed to Kishida's proposal to hold a special summit in Tokyo, possibly in December of next year.

During the meeting, Kishida denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its threats to use nuclear weapons.

He stressed the need for the international community to send a clear message to Moscow.

The prime minister also expressed grave concerns over Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the East and South China seas and its attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force as well as its economic coercion.

Referring to the Taiwan issue, he stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Kishida conveyed Japan's plans to support the ASEAN members in their efforts to recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, to decarbonize and to enhance their food security.