Japan and EU Forge Strategic Defense Pact Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific
In a historic move on Nov. 1, Japan and the European Union joined together in formalizing a security and defense partnership aimed at addressing growing problems within the Indo-Pacific region. The pact signifies a deepening relationship between Tokyo and Brussels, as both raise concerns over increasing Chinese influence as well as heightened Russian military aggression.
Shigeru Ishiba: Japan’s New Prime Minister
On Oct. 1, Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was sworn into office. Ishiba is a member of the ruling LDP (Liberal Democratic Party), the same party as previous Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and the late Shinzo Abe.
Japanese Warship Sighted in the Taiwan Strait for the First Time
This past Wednesday, a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Government officials reported to Yomiuri Shimbun that the JS Sazanami would complete exercises within the South China Sea, a territory contended between China and Taiwan.
Revisionism or Revanchism: Japan’s New Foreign Policy
On April 14, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sat down with CNN to discuss his upcoming summit with President Biden. During the discussion, Kishida discussed the rising tensions around the world as well as how Japan’s foreign policy is acclimating to the new geopolitical environment.
China, Japan, and South Korea Vow to Restart Cooperation Summits
“We three ministers agreed to restore and normalize three-nation cooperation at an early date,” stated the South Korean foreign minister, signaling a resumption of talks in 2024.
US responds to recent North Korean Satellite Launch
On Nov. 24, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a trilateral call with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko from their respective offices. The officials spoke about the recent spy satellite launched by North Korea.