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9mo ago

Japan's 'Asian NATO' Proposal Faces Skepticism from Key Allies

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's plan to form an Asian defense alliance is met with reluctance from the U.S. and India, as Japan's ministers clarify it's a long-term vision.

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya looks on at Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's official residence in Tokyo, Japan October 1, 2024. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
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Overview

  • Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed an 'Asian NATO' to bolster regional security and deter China, but it remains a future consideration.
  • Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the proposal is not being actively pursued at present.
  • India and the United States have expressed skepticism about the idea, with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasizing India's non-aligned stance.
  • The concept, as envisioned by Ishiba, would not target any specific country and aims to include a wide range of Indo-Pacific nations.
  • The initiative is seen as a way for Japan to engage more in regional security without violating its constitutional limitations on military action.