China casts a shadow as NATO allies debate expanded role in Asia
livemint.comalliance about the specific nature of this collaboration as they grapple with how to navigate their relationship with China. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed that Kishida intends to emphasize the importance of stronger relations between Japan and NATO, despite objections from Beijing regarding the alliance's activities in the region. Alongside Kishida, leaders from South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand will also be present at the summit in Vilnius.
According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the visit by Asian leaders to NATO will underscore the interconnectedness of security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Matsuno stated that the visit will confirm NATO's increased involvement in the region, highlighting the stronger engagement of the alliance. NATO allies are currently engaged in discussions about a potential joint statement with the four Indo-Pacific countries.
This statement aims to deepen cooperation and emphasize the interdependence of security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, as noted by a senior European diplomat. However, within the alliance, there are differences in conceptual understanding regarding whether NATO's focus should remain limited to the area covered by the alliance's supreme commander, which spans from northern Europe to southern Europe and from the Atlantic coastline to eastern Turkey. Some members advocate for NATO to adopt a broader perspective on security matters that impact the alliance as a whole, Bloomberg reported mentioning an anonymous diplomat.
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