Japan and NATO Strengthen Security Pacts to Counter China and Russia Threats
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have committed to strengthening their military cooperation, emphasizing the importance of working together against escalating threats posed by China, North Korea, and Russia.
Japan, having strengthened defense relationships with the U.S. and neighboring nations in the Indo-Pacific, has also aimed to build stronger connections with NATO. This move comes as Japan grows concerned that Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine might encourage greater aggression from China in the area.
"Ishiba stated at a joint press conference with Rutte that a more robust NATO would be highly advantageous for Japan." Rutte, who became the secretary-general of the defense alliance in October, was making his inaugural visit to Japan.
In a joint statement released after their talks, Ishiba and Rutte said strengthening defence industrial cooperation is "a shared priority" and that they plan to focus on developing dual-use and advanced technologies while enhancing their standardisation.
They similarly consented to enhance collaboration in cybersecurity and outer space, along with conducting shared military drills. Unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence were also part of the discussion.
Ishiba and Rutte likewise stated that they "firmly denounce" the increasing military connections between North Korea and Russia, particularly Moscow's utilization of North Korean missiles and personnel in the conflict with Ukraine. They also voiced worry over China's backing of Russia’s industrial sector.
Rutte stated that Russia keeps pursuing its military campaign against Ukraine while still aiming to "redefine European security."
Both emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and condemned unilateral efforts to alter the status quo through force in both the East and South China Seas.
They likewise urged Beijing to enhance the openness of its military activities and collaborate on arms control measures, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.
The head of NATO informed journalists that China is aggressively expanding its military capabilities, aiming to dominate crucial technologies, essential infrastructures, and supply chains, along with persisting in what they consider "disruptive actions" within the Indo-Pacific region.
Rutte commended Japan for its efforts in supporting Ukraine during the conflict with Russia, and expressed appreciation for Tokyo's agreement to take part in a NATO program aimed at aiding Ukraine, following statements made by Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Tuesday.
The NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command is based at a U.S. military installation in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Rutte stated that NSATU assists Ukraine not only in fighting today but also in strengthening its military forces for the future.
The specifics regarding Japan’s involvement remain under discussion; however, should they participate, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are unlikely to engage in combat missions due to their nation's wartime-renounced peaceful ethos, codified within local legislation.
