Japan and the European Union are set to establish high-level talks on security and defense issues to enhance cooperation in response to China’s increasing military assertiveness. The two parties are currently negotiating a security and defense partnership agreement, aiming for its completion by the end of the year.
The upcoming meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel is expected to discuss the progress of the negotiations. The agreement is likely to include joint military drills, maritime security collaboration, and information sharing in the defense sector.
With the EU’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region and China’s military advancements, the partnership between Japan and the EU is becoming even more vital. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both parties pledged to strengthen their alliance, recognizing the interconnected security between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Kishida’s visit to the United States and the upcoming leadership transition in Japan highlight the importance of bolstering international partnerships in the face of evolving security challenges.
© KYODO
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