TOKYO – NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday in Tokyo that Japan and NATO must "stay unified and resolute" in the face of security challenges presented by China, North Korea, and Russia's war in Ukraine. Stoltenberg, the secretary general of the European and North American military alliance, said that Beijing was closely observing developments in Ukraine and "drawing lessons that may affect its future decisions." Stoltenberg met with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his journey to Asia to enhance ties with democratic allies. "What occurs in Europe now might happen in East Asia tomorrow. As a result, we must retain our solidarity and commitment while fighting for democracy and freedom "He expressed this. The rising collaboration between China and Russia, according to Stoltenberg and Kishida, disturbed them. 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. 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.
TOKYO – NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday in Tokyo that Japan and NATO must “stay unified and resolute” in the face of security challenges presented by China, North Korea, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Stoltenberg, the secretary general of the European and North American military alliance, said that Beijing was closely observing developments in Ukraine and “drawing lessons that may affect its future decisions.”
Stoltenberg met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his journey to Asia to enhance ties with democratic allies.
“What occurs in Europe now might happen in East Asia tomorrow. As a result, we must retain our solidarity and commitment while fighting for democracy and freedom “He expressed this.
The rising collaboration between China and Russia, according to Stoltenberg and Kishida, disturbed them.
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.
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.
