NATO intends to establish its first liaison office in Asia in Tokyo.
In light of China’s emergence as a new challenge and its traditional focus on Russia, the station will allow for periodic consultations between the alliance’s military and Japan and key partners in the region like South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
An Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) between NATO and Japan is planned for signature before the July 11-12 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The two groups have agreed to increase their cooperation in countering cyber threats, align their positions on new and potentially disruptive technologies, and share strategies for countering misinformation.
Both Japanese and NATO officials confirmed the plans.
During NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Tokyo at the end of January, he and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida first broached the subject of establishing a liaison office. Midway through April, the alliance reportedly sent out a proposal draft to its 31 members for feedback.
NATO is often provided with office space by the host country. It would mark a new era in defense cooperation if Tokyo provided funding for a Western military alliance to establish a foothold in Japan.
