Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa says Japan will continue to urge China to abide by international law.
Hayashi attended an international conference in India on Friday, after holding talks with his counterparts from the United States, Australia and India.
The four nations have formed a security framework called the Quad.
Asked about China's wariness towards the Quad, Hayashi said the framework's aim is neither to exclude particular countries nor for military cooperation, but to promote practical collaboration.
He added China won't clash with the four members if it abides by international law.
Hayashi also stressed that Japan will boost ties with emerging and developing economies, collectively known as the Global South, to promote universal values such as freedom and democracy.