Japan and New Zealand have agreed in principle on an intelligence-sharing pact to address security concerns in the region, especially regarding China’s activities in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and New Zealand’s leader Christopher Luxon expressed worries about escalating tensions and the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of classified information between the two countries, while they also plan to accelerate discussions on a pact that would allow their forces to share logistical support during joint operations. Japan has been ramping up its military development and expanding defense partnerships as it faces threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
Luxon highlighted the importance of addressing regional issues and responding to the challenges posed by North Korea and Russia. He emphasized the need for closer collaboration between Japan and New Zealand in understanding and addressing these security concerns.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Pyongyang raised concerns among Western allies about potential arms deals between North Korea and Russia. There are fears that Pyongyang could provide Moscow with ammunition for its conflict in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could bolster North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
Despite these challenges, Japan has been actively pursuing intelligence-sharing agreements with various countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, and South Korea, as well as NATO. Negotiations are also underway with Canada, and Japan has already started talks with Ukraine on a similar agreement.
Overall, the intelligence-sharing pact between Japan and New Zealand underscores the shared commitment to addressing security challenges in the region and strengthening cooperation to ensure peace and stability. As both countries navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, collaboration and information-sharing are crucial for effectively responding to threats and promoting regional security.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/19/japan-new-zealand-security/a21a227e-2e5b-11ef-bcdf-31cdebd3022f_story.html
