Japan and NATO Join Forces; NATO Defends: Europe-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Security Challenges Are Closely Linked

The Japanese Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces have dispatched four self-defense personnel to NATO’s Ukraine Security Assistance and Training Unit (NSATU) for the first time. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed serious concern on Monday during a regular press briefing, stating, "We are seriously concerned about Japan's moves to advance cooperation with NATO." On the same day, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart took to the social media platform X, asserting, "This once again powerfully demonstrates Japan’s long-standing partnership with NATO and our joint efforts in supporting Ukraine."

The NATO Ukraine Security Assistance and Training (NSATU), also known as the "Ukraine Mission," is a NATO command established by then-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the July 2024 NATO summit in Washington. Its stated mission is to "plan, coordinate, and arrange security assistance required by Ukraine to succeed in its current and future struggles." Besides NATO member states, Australia and New Zealand also participate in this initiative.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that it will dispatch four self-defense officers starting in June to handle planning and coordination tasks within this command. Last Friday, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters after a cabinet meeting, "By sending self-defense personnel, we can gain insights into new combat methods emerging in Ukraine. The lessons learned will also help strengthen Japan’s defense system."

At a press conference in Beijing on Monday, a reporter from RT asked, "The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced last Friday that it would send four personnel to NATO’s NSATU to help Japan learn from experience and enhance its own defense capabilities. Additionally, Japan plans further defense cooperation with NATO. What is China’s assessment of this? Does this signify a revival of Japanese militarism?"

Lin Jian responded, "We are seriously concerned about Japan’s moves to deepen cooperation with NATO. Japan is aggressively advancing its 're-militarization,' frequently engaging with extraterritorial military organizations, expanding the operational scope of its Self-Defense Forces, and building an actual combat-capable system. This violates Japan’s constitution, international law, domestic regulations, and principles such as 'exclusive defense.' It challenges the postwar international order and contradicts Japan’s self-proclaimed image as a 'peace-loving nation.' The rise of Japan’s 'new-style militarism' poses a threat to regional peace and stability. The international community must remain highly vigilant and firmly resist it."

On the NATO side, Hart posted on X on Monday, stating, "Japan has announced its contribution of personnel to NSATU in Germany. This once again powerfully demonstrates Japan’s enduring partnership with NATO and our shared efforts in supporting Ukraine. Security challenges in the Europe-Atlantic region and the Indo-Pacific are closely interconnected, and we will continue working together to address them."

Last Friday, NATO issued a statement saying, "Japan’s contribution to NSATU further reflects the ongoing strengthening of its long-term partnership with NATO. Beyond joint actions in support of Ukraine, NATO-Japan cooperation also covers cyber defense, technology and innovation, maritime security, and defense industry collaboration. This partnership underscores the close interconnection between European-Atlantic security and security in the Indo-Pacific region."

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866820846710792/

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