Leaders from Japan and Pacific island nations are expected to issue a joint communique stressing their commitment to achieving a rules-based free and open maritime order, citing China's increased maritime activities and other global situations.
NHK obtained a draft of the document to be issued when the three-day Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, attended by 18 countries and territories, wraps up in Tokyo on Thursday.
The draft says that with the international community facing diverse challenges, the bloc shares the stance of opposing any wars of aggression and unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or intimidation in any part of the world.
Amid China's increasing maritime activities and North Korea's nuclear and missile development, it stresses the importance of upholding a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.
The draft includes a mention of Japan's discharge of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, for which the country has been seeking understanding.
It refers to the need to respond while heeding a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency that confirmed that the operation is consistent with international safety standards.
Before releasing the treated water into the ocean, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce the tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and other leaders will finalize the declaration at their summit talks to be held on Thursday.