TOKYO: Jens Stoltenberg stated on Tuesday in Tokyo that Japan and NATO must “remain united and firm” in the face of security threats posed by China, North Korea, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The European and North American military alliance’s secretary general, Stoltenberg, issued a warning that Beijing was monitoring developments in Ukraine closely and “learning lessons that may influence its future decisions.”
As part of Stoltenberg’s trip to Asia to strengthen ties with democratic allies, he had a conversation with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“What happens today in Europe could happen tomorrow in East Asia. Therefore, we must maintain our unity and resolve, standing together for democracy and freedom,” he stated.
China and Russia’s growing cooperation, according to Stoltenberg and Kishida, concerned them.
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In a joint statement, they said, “We highlight with concern Russia’s growing military cooperation with China, including through joint operations and drills in the vicinity of Japan.”
Stoltenberg had asked South Korea to increase its military support for Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia nearly a year ago, the day before in Seoul.
On the other hand, on Tuesday, he praised Japan’s “strong position” and “substantial support” for Ukraine.
Along with its G7 partners, Tokyo has imposed sanctions on Moscow, sent defensive equipment, and provided refuge to those fleeing the conflict.
According to Stoltenberg, both he and Kishida were concerned about North Korea’s “provocative behavior,” which included nuclear activity and missile tests.
Read: Nato assures Ukraine of ‘more heavy weapons’
He said that China was “not our enemy,” but he also said that China was spreading false information about NATO and Ukraine and growing its military presence in Asia “including nuclear weapons, bullying neighbors, and threatening Taiwan.”
As part of efforts to strengthen ties, Kishida stated that Japan would establish an independent representative office for its dealings with NATO.
Kishida went on to say that the nation will also think about regularly participating in the alliance’s high-level meetings.
Japan announced the most significant alteration to its defense and security strategy in decades in December.
By fiscal 2027, the new strategy aims to bring Japan in line with NATO member guidelines by increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP.