Because of Russian aggression in Ukraine, Japanese and NATO officials agreed to expand military cooperation and intensify joint exercises.
< p>Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, before meeting with the head of the NATO military committee, Rob Bauer, expressed hope for strengthening ties with European countries and welcomed the expansion of NATO activities in the Indo-Pacific region. This statement was made against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which carries great security risks not only in Europe, but also in Asia.
This is reported by Japan Today.
“The security of Europe and Asia is closely intertwined, especially at a time when the international community is facing serious challenges,” the Japanese minister said.
Subsequently, the Japanese government's approval of an annual policy plan calling for a sharp increase in defense capabilities and spending over five years was announced.
The plan provides for the development of offensive weapons, as well as the strengthening of space, cyber and electromagnetic defenses and unmanned weapons. This is a major shift that goes beyond Japan's principle of self-defence.
According to a Japanese publication, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been invited to the NATO summit at the end of June. He is considering attending the meeting, making him the first Japanese leader to do so.
Recall that Chinese warships recently entered the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
