Japan and Australia on Wednesday pressed North Korea to abstain from provocative acts amid growing speculation that it may test-launch a long-range ballistic missile soon.
In a meeting in New York, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop, also affirmed they oppose any unilateral attempt to force a change in the status quo in the South China Sea, effectively criticizing Beijing's island-building in the disputed waters, according to a Japanese Foreign Ministry official.
The meeting came as North Korea has hinted it may launch a satellite around Oct. 10, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
Other countries, however, see the move as a covert test of long-range missile technology in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Bishop conveyed new Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's hope to visit Japan at an early date, according to the official.
Bishop retained her post after Turnbull was sworn in on Sept. 15, a day after he toppled Tony Abbott in the race for leadership of the ruling Liberal Party.
Kishida said Japan remains involved in Australia's process of choosing a partner for the planned acquisition of submarines.
Bishop reiterated Australia's support for Japan's new national security laws that enable Japan to expand defense cooperation with the United States, Australia and other friendly countries