Japan, which perceives China as a threat in the region, intensified the expansion of its self -defense forces and is preparing to acquire impact capabilities, such as long -range maneuvering missiles. Beijing usually reacts critically to these changes in the Japanese arsenal.
Rutte also noted that “China, North Korea and Russia intensify their military exercises and cooperation, undermining global security, which means that what is happening in the Euro-Atlantic region is important in the Indo-Pacific region and vice versa.”
Japan strengthens cooperation with the region
In response to the growing threat, Japan, in addition to close cooperation with the USA It strengthened relations with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region, such as South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, creating the so-called IP4 group. The Minister of Defense of Japan, Gen Nakratani, also announced that Japan wants to join the NATO support mission in security and training for Ukraine (NSATA), asking for the development of necessary procedures. In addition, it was announced that the USA will distribute MQ-4C Triton drones in Okinawa, near Taiwan.
Rutte, who visits Japan for the first time since taking the position of the head of NATO in October last year, will also meet with the prime minister of Shiger IsoHiba, a supporter of the idea of creating an Asian alliance modeled on NATO.
