NATO to open Japan office

 

NATO to open Japan office, deepening Indo-Pacific engagement

 

TOKYO/BRUSSELS - NATO is planning to open a liaison office in Tokyo, the first of its kind in Asia, Nikkei Asia has learned.
 
The station will allow NATO to conduct periodic consultations with partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and India, as China emerges as a new challenge, alongside NATO's traditional focus on Russia.
 
The intent to deepen cooperation is mutual. Japan plans to create an independent mission to NATO, separating it from the embassy in Belgium, where it is currently based.
 
Michito Tsuruoka, an associate professor at Keio University, said that the war in Ukraine has changed the way NATO sees China. "In addition to the problems China poses by itself, a new dimension has been added: that of China as a supporter of Russia. This now becomes directly related to Europe's security."