In Tokyo, Japan and New Zealand have reached an agreement in principle on an intelligence-sharing pact, highlighting their shared concerns about the security situation in the region. The leaders, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand, expressed worries about escalating tensions in the South China Sea and the growing ties between Russia and North Korea.
The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of classified information between the two countries, as outlined in a joint statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry. Additionally, Kishida and Luxon discussed expediting talks to establish a pact that would enable their forces to share logistical support and supplies during joint training and operations.
Japan’s 2022 national security strategy emphasizes the country’s military development efforts and the expansion of defense partnerships in response to perceived threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. The leaders strongly condemned the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly North Korea’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia in support of the conflict in Ukraine.
Luxon stressed the importance of both countries collaborating on addressing regional issues, particularly in light of Putin’s recent visit to Pyongyang and the implications of North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This visit marked the first meeting between Putin and Kim Jong Un in 24 years, raising concerns about potential arms deals and technology transfers that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
Japan has existing intelligence-sharing agreements with several countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, and South Korea, as well as NATO. Negotiations for similar agreements are underway with Canada, and talks have started with Ukraine. These agreements underscore the growing importance of collaboration and information sharing in addressing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
AP video journalist Richard Colombo contributed to this report, providing valuable insight into the developments in Japan and New Zealand’s security cooperation efforts.
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https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-06-19/japan-new-zealand-intelligence-sharing-pact-14233634.html