Japan and EU to announce new defense pact
Japan and the European Union were ready to unveil a fresh security alliance on Friday, reportedly involving increased collaborative military exercises, high-level talks, and defense industry collaboration.
EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell will meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who recently stated that the agreement is occurring “as Japan and the EU confront a more difficult security landscape.”
While not specifically mentioning China, Japan has referred to its neighboring country as its top security concern due to Beijing’s military expansion in the area.
Following the discussions in Tokyo, Borrell will travel to South Korea, with a focus on addressing concerns related to North Korea.
The US reported that many North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia preparing to participate in the conflict in Ukraine.
Pyongyang recently launched one of its latest and most potent missiles, showcasing its danger to the United States before the upcoming elections.
Borrell stated Thursday that visiting two of our nearest partners in the Indo-Pacific is a crucial achievement in our five-year endeavor to enhance the EU’s involvement.
He stated that we have achieved agreement on political matters and strengthened our common values, pledging “a fresh start in our increasingly close relationship”.
On Tuesday, Iwaya stated that the upcoming announcement on Friday of the Japan-EU Security and Defense Partnership is intended to enhance collaboration and communication in security and defense across all areas.
He stated that they plan to collaborate in maritime security, space, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats, such as foreign disinformation and interference.
Iwaya stated that the security of the Asia-Pacific region is closely linked to that of Europe and the Atlantic.
Japan is increasing its defense budget to reach the NATO requirement of two percent of GDP by 2027, in part to address the growing military threats from China towards Taiwan.
Beijing asserts ownership over the self-governed island and is open to the possibility of using force to assert control over it.
Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese Prime Minister, mentioned that “the current situation in Ukraine might potentially be seen in East Asia in the near future” as he faces the possibility of leading a minority government following the recent general election.
Ishiba has also proposed the establishment of a regional alliance similar to NATO, focusing on collective security, but he acknowledges that this will not be immediate.
Ishiba’s predecessor Fumio Kishida also gave the same caution when he met with US President Joe Biden in April, during a state visit where both countries revealed intentions to enhance their defense cooperation.
Japan, which has traditionally depended on the United States for military equipment, is collaborating with EU member Italy and Britain to produce a new fighter jet expected to be in operation by 2035.
Japan’s growing emphasis on defense is not just a response to China but also a part of a larger plan to improve its self-sufficiency in regional security. Japan has traditionally counted on the United States for security assurances due to traditional constraints imposed by its pacifist constitution. Nevertheless, recent partnerships with European countries like the joint fighter jet project with Italy and Britain signify a move towards varied collaborations to enhance domestic defense capabilities.
Ishiba’s suggestion for a regional coalition resembling NATO may transform security dynamics in East Asia, potentially including South Korea, Australia, and other regional partners to counter China’s growing military influence. Nevertheless, creating a coalition could encounter obstacles because of past conflicts and varied national priorities in the area. The decision is in line with Washington’s push for allies to take on a more proactive role in their defense, mirroring an increasing focus on shared responsibility in security within the Indo-Pacific region.
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