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Japan Aims at Increasing Its Military Power Amid Rising Tensions with Russia and North Korea
In a significant development that underscores the growing interconnectedness of global security, Japan has inaugurated an independent mission to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). This move, announced on January 17, 2025, reflects Tokyo’s determination to strengthen its ties with the Western-led military alliance amid rising tensions with Russia, North Korea, and China. The establishment of this mission comes at a time when Japan is recalibrating its foreign policy and defense strategies to address evolving global and regional threats.
The decision to open this dedicated mission marks a departure from Japan’s previous reliance on its embassy in Belgium to oversee NATO relations. By creating a separate mission, Japan is signaling its intent to deepen its cooperation with NATO, which has been strengthening its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners in recent years. As Tokyo takes this step, it raises questions about the changing dynamics of international alliances and the implications for security in both the Indo-Pacific and European regions.
The independent mission to NATO will be led by Osamu Izawa, replacing Japan’s ambassador to Belgium, Masahiro Mikami, who previously handled NATO-related responsibilities. This structural change highlights Japan’s…
