NATO Strengthens Engagement with Japan through New Liaison Office in Tokyo
TOKYO: NATO is set to establish a liaison office in Tokyo by 2024, which will serve as a central hub for cooperation with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, as reported by the Nikkei newspaper on Tuesday. However, China has expressed its disapproval of this plan.
In May, Japan’s ambassador to the United States announced that the US-led military alliance was considering opening an office in Tokyo, marking the first NATO presence in Asia. However, French President Emmanuel Macron objected to the proposal.
China, at the time, voiced its opposition to what it referred to as “group confrontation” in the Asia-Pacific region. China urged Japan to exercise caution regarding military security matters, citing Japan’s historical aggression.
According to the Nikkei, NATO intends to deepen its ties with its four key partners in the Pacific by establishing two-way cooperation agreements with each country. These agreements will serve as a foundation for collaboration on various issues, including cybersecurity and space.
During a visit to Japan in January, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg pledged with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to strengthen ties in the face of “historic” security challenges. Stoltenberg specifically referenced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasing military capabilities.
“Australia will provide further updates on its partnership arrangements in due course,” stated a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The spokesperson further added, “All NATO partners are transitioning to the new Individually Tailored Partnership Programme process as their existing partnership arrangements come up for renewal.”
Please note that this edited version is based on the given information and is fictional. It does not represent any actual events or statements.
