Japan and NATO

The Vilnius communique had a greatly expanded criticism of China, but there are still concerns about how far to go in confronting Beijing.

Speculations surrounding the impact of the proposed NATO office in Tokyo are wildly overhyped.

Japan may not be located in the North Atlantic, but it and NATO are natural partners with increasingly overlapping interests and with much to offer each other. 

Stronger ties between NATO and Japan are mutually beneficial, reinforce Japan’s deterrence-based denial strategy, and should be institutionalized.

Tokyo continues to try to keep relations with Beijing stable even as it deepens military cooperation with NATO and other partners.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is visiting Japan and South Korea this week, part of a push to solidify NATO's ties with Indo-Pacific countries.

Prime Minister Kishida's emphasis on unity with NATO over Russia paid off with recognition of China as a challenge to NATO's interests and security.

Japan’s defense minister hosted NATO officials this week, pledging more joint exercises and military cooperation.

Kishida Fumio joined crisis talks in Brussels primarily to advise on the economic impact of the invasion. He also used the trip to promote Japan’s wider diplomatic and security agenda.