NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have committed to enhancing military cooperation, emphasizing the necessity of addressing increasing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. This collaboration comes as Japan intensifies its defense partnerships with the United States and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region, prompted by concerns that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may embolden China’s assertive actions.
Shared priorities for defense cooperation
During a press conference held with Rutte, marking his first visit to Japan since he took office in October, Ishiba remarked,
“A stronger NATO will benefit Japan greatly.”
Following their discussions, both leaders issued a joint statement underscoring the importance of enhancing defense industrial collaboration, labeling it as “a shared priority.” They expressed intentions to concentrate on the development of dual-use and advanced technologies while improving standardization between their military forces.
In addition to strengthening industrial ties, they agreed to bolster collaboration in cyber defense and space operations and to conduct joint military exercises. Discussions also included the roles of drones and artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
Addressing regional security concerns
Both leaders voiced strong condemnation of the expanding military relationship between North Korea and Russia, particularly regarding Russia’s utilization of North Korean missiles and personnel in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine. They raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s military capabilities and reiterated their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. They firmly opposed any unilateral efforts to alter the status quo through force in the East and South China Seas.
Rutte highlighted that Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine while pursuing ambitions to “reshape European security.” He urged for increased transparency from Beijing regarding its military operations and called for cooperative efforts in arms control to ensure peace and stability, especially across the Taiwan Strait.
Additionally, Rutte acknowledged Japan’s significant contributions in supporting Ukraine during its conflict with Russia and welcomed Tokyo’s interest in engaging with NATO initiatives aimed at assisting Ukraine, as indicated by Defense Minister Gen Nakatani earlier this week. The NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), based at a U.S. military installation in Wiesbaden, Germany, aims to provide crucial support for Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Rutte stated that NSATU is designed “to help Ukraine fight today but also to build up its armed forces for tomorrow.” While the specifics of Japan’s contribution to this initiative are still under consideration, it is anticipated that the Japanese Self Defense Force will refrain from combat roles, adhering to the country’s pacifist constitution enacted following World War II.