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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo/Geo.tv
TOKYO – Japan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) must “remain united and resolute” in the face of the security threats posed by China , North Korea and war Russia in Ukraine. This was disclosed by the Secretary General NATO Jens Stoltenberg in Tokyo, Japan.
Stoltenberg warned that Beijing is keeping a close eye on developments in Ukraine and learning lessons that could influence its future decisions.
He spoke alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after the two held talks as part of a trip to Asia by Stoltenberg aimed at improving relations with democratic allies.
“What happened in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow. So we must remain united and firm, stand together for freedom and democracy,” he said as quoted by Channel News Asia, Tuesday (31/1/2023).
Stoltenberg and Kishida said they were concerned about the increased cooperation they had seen between China and Russia.
Read: NATO Ready for Direct Confrontation with Russia, Could Be World War III
“We highlight with concern Russia’s increasing military cooperation with China, including through joint operations and exercises in the vicinity of Japan,” the two said in a joint statement.
The day before in Seoul, Stoltenberg called on South Korea to increase its military support for Ukraine, which was invaded by neighboring Russia nearly a year ago.
Read: NATO Urges South Korea to Increase Military Support for Ukraine
But while in Tokyo, he praised the strong position and substantial support Japan offered to Ukraine.
