- Kyodo News via AP
VIVA – The Prime Minister (PM) from Japan, Fumio Kishida insisted the country had no plans to become a NATO member but acknowledged the security alliance's plan to open a liaison office in Japan.
Kishida’s comments came after the Japanese ambassador to the United States earlier this month said that the US-led military pact was planning a Tokyo office, the first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.
PM Jepang, Fumio Kishida.
- Nikkei Asia
“I am not aware of any decision made” at NATO regarding the establishment of the office, Kishida told a Wednesday parliament session, adding his country was not planning to join NATO as a member or semi-member state, as reported from Al Arabiya site.
He also added that his country has no plans to join NATO as a member or semi-member state.
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called Japan's actions "unacceptable to the Asia-Pacific region", saying Tokyo should be "extra cautious on military security issues" given its "history of aggression".
As noted, Japan hosted the G7 summit in Hiroshima over the weekend, where leaders of the country's democracies agreed to "de-risk, not disengage" economic engagement with China and reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the summit and asked for "help" and support for the speedy conclusion of Russia-Ukraine peace.
