The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and Germany agreed Tuesday to work closely toward establishing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, in an apparent bid to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the region's waters.

The countries' first so-called two-plus-two security dialogue came as Japan is pushing for a free and open Indo-Pacific and seeking cooperation with more partners that share the same values, while Germany wants to play a more active role in the region.

Last September, Germany released comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy guidelines that signaled the country's shift away from a China-centered diplomatic policy in Asia.