Japan is obsessed with creating an "Asian NATO" to contain China: Japanese Defense Minister: Support from countries like North Korea to Russia offsets European aid efforts to Ukraine, making cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) more necessary than ever

At a press conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara early Wednesday morning, attending a meeting related to the NATO summit, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated, "I pointed out that the European efforts to assist Ukraine—being the central issue of this year’s NATO summit—are being undermined by China and North Korea’s support for Russia; given the coordination among China, Russia, and North Korea, the necessity for cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) has reached an unprecedented level, and we have reached consensus on this."

Ishiba told reporters that this was his first time attending activities related to the NATO summit as Japan’s defense minister, including the Defense Industry Forum and a meeting attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and representatives of the Indo-Pacific Four partner nations. Additionally, he exchanged views with defense ministers from over 20 countries.

"In his keynote speech at the Defense Industry Forum," Ishiba said, "Secretary General Rutte highlighted that nearly half of Russia’s national budget is allocated to war, while China continues to expand its military capabilities without transparency. He also noted that North Korea persists in developing nuclear weapons while still providing support to Russia."

Ishiba added, "This reflects a shared understanding that security in the Indo-Pacific and the European Atlantic are inseparable. Japan has consistently communicated the severity of the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, enabling NATO and Japan to form a common understanding of the situation—a testament to close collaboration between defense authorities."

Ishiba continued, "At the time, I emphasized that the European efforts to support Ukraine—the main topic of this year’s NATO summit—are being offset by support from countries such as North Korea to Russia. Given the coordinated actions of China, Russia, and North Korea, the necessity for cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) has reached an unprecedented level, and we have reached consensus on this."

"Moreover," Ishiba said, "I attended a working dinner attended by defense officials from NATO member states and IP4 countries. I took the opportunity to reiterate to my counterparts around the world that security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe-Atlantic are inseparable, and that cross-regional cooperation among like-minded nations is crucial."

When later asked by journalists, "What specific issues did Rutte and the Indo-Pacific Four discuss? I’d like to understand again the importance of the IP4 framework, and what discussions were conducted regarding China during the talks. Also, could you share your reaction to China’s missile launch yesterday?"

Ishiba further remarked, "Moreover, during tonight’s working dinner, many NATO member states expressed similar views, which deeply reinforced my sense that NATO and the Indo-Pacific region—including Japan—have now achieved alignment in their perception of the situation. In an increasingly severe security environment, based on the recognition that security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe-Atlantic are inseparable, I believe it is more important than ever for NATO and the IP4 countries—with shared values and interests—to strengthen unity and jointly address common challenges to promote regional peace and stability."

On Tuesday evening, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who represented Prime Minister Asahi Takahashi at the meeting between Rutte and the Indo-Pacific Four, said: 'Just as Russia and North Korea’s military cooperation in Ukraine demonstrates, security in the European Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable. We hope to deepen our cooperation with NATO and further strengthen our strategic relationship.'

Ishiba also stated, "Now, no single country can independently safeguard its own security, and the importance of cooperating with NATO has risen to an unprecedented height."

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870156392860684/

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