Japan's New Foreign Minister Cools Asian NATO, Prioritizes Inclusivity in Security Policy

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Japan's New Foreign Minister Cools Asian NATO, Prioritizes Inclusivity in Security Policy

Japan's New Foreign Minister Douses Hopes for Asian NATO

Japan's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, has tempered expectations for the immediate creation of an Asian version of NATO, despite Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's earlier push for such a framework.

In his first press conference, Iwaya acknowledged the potential value of such an alliance in the future but stressed the need for careful consideration and a long-term approach. He emphasized the difficulty of establishing a collective security framework in Asia where member countries would commit to mutual defense obligations.

Iwaya's remarks suggest a more cautious stance from the Ishiba administration on this key security agenda. While former Defense Minister Ishiba had advocated for a collective security framework encompassing major Asian countries, Iwaya emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that the ideal form of security cooperation should not exclude any country in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani echoed Iwaya's cautious approach, stating that he had not received any instructions from the Prime Minister regarding an Asian NATO. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with other Asian countries and like-minded partners, including the United States.

Both Iwaya and Nakatani, close allies of Ishiba and former defense ministers themselves, are expected to play crucial roles in shaping the new administration's national security policies.

Regarding the revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, a long-standing call from Ishiba, Iwaya acknowledged the need to address certain issues but offered no concrete plans. Nakatani also expressed a lack of enthusiasm for immediate revisions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and collaboration with other ministries.

Similarly, Ishiba's proposal to secure a training base for the Self-Defense Forces in the United States was met with a lukewarm response from Nakatani, who stated that establishing such a base was not currently under consideration.

Overall, the new administration appears to be taking a more measured approach to security issues, prioritizing inclusivity and collaboration over the immediate implementation of ambitious proposals.