Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, has revealed that Japan is in talks to open a NATO liaison office, marking the first time a NATO office will be located in Asia. Hayashi cited the instability of the world since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the reason for the move. He believes that the world has become „less stable”, and stated that something happening in East Europe „is not only confined to the issue in East Europe, and that affects directly the situation here in the Pacific”. Although Japan is not a member of NATO, Hayashi believes that it is important for cooperation between East Asia and NATO. If the office opens, it will enable discussions between NATO and its security partners, such as South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, on geopolitical challenges, emerging technologies, and cyber threats. The move is likely to draw criticism from China, which has warned against it. China has previously warned NATO against expanding into Asia, calling it a platform for those seeking geopolitical fights that would undermine regional peace and stability. The announcement comes amidst growing regional tensions, with Japan contending with a nuclear-armed North Korea, a rising China, and increased Russian aggression.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Ukranian Situation Rouses Japan to open a NATO Liaison Office
Follow us
