NATO and Japan deepen security ties
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's recent visit to Japan has underscored the deepening security collaboration between NATO and Japan, emphasizing their intertwined security interests amid evolving global challenges.
Speaking to Gen Nakatani, Rutte said that NATO would like to work more closely with Japan as they are facing many of the same challenges together.
He also praised Japan’s Self-Defense Force during the meeting as he boarded an SDF frigate, the Mogami, at a maritime base in Yokosuka earlier near Tokyo.
During his visit, Rutte met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, where Japan expressed its interest in joining the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany. This initiative aims to coordinate Western military aid and training for Ukraine. Japan's participation is expected to focus on non-combat roles, aligning with its post-World War II pacifist principles.
Rutte highlighted concerns regarding the military activities of China, North Korea, and Russia, noting their potential to undermine global stability. He emphasized that developments in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are interconnected, necessitating cooperative efforts to address these security challenges.
In a move to further solidify its commitment to international security, Japan inaugurated an independent mission to NATO in January 2025. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation amid rising tensions with Russia, China, and North Korea.
Rutte's visit also included meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who supports forming a NATO-like security framework in Asia amidst growing U.S.-China rivalry. This reflects a mutual commitment to maintaining a free and open international order and addressing shared security concerns.
