Japan Expresses Interest in Joining NATO’s Ukraine Mission

Japan signaled its intent to join NATO's mission for Ukraine on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward closer cooperation with the alliance. During discussions in Tokyo with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed Japan’s interest in participating in NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), based at a U.S. military facility in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Japan has already provided defense equipment and support to Ukraine, and now seeks to deepen its engagement with NATO in the context of the ongoing war. Although the specifics of Japan's involvement, including whether any personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) would be sent to Wiesbaden, remain under discussion, it is expected that Japan's role will not involve combat operations, in line with the country’s post-World War II military restrictions.

Strengthening Regional Security Amid Global Tensions

Nakatani emphasized Japan's desire to enhance security cooperation with NATO, viewing the mission as an opportunity to learn from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "Both Japan and NATO face many challenges, and our security environment has become increasingly severe," he said.

Rutte, in turn, highlighted the growing threat from China, especially its rapid military buildup and provocative actions near Taiwan. "China is supporting Russia's efforts," Rutte noted, adding that NATO must work together to safeguard free and open sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region. He also expressed concerns about China's military exercises near Taiwan, describing them as a critical issue closely monitored by the alliance.

Japan, viewing China as a regional threat, has accelerated its defense capabilities in recent years, including plans to acquire long-range cruise missiles. The country has also strengthened its military partnerships, not only with the United States but with other nations in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Japan's expanding cooperation with NATO reflects the growing recognition that security risks in both Europe and Asia are interconnected.

NATO’s Strategic Shift Toward the Indo-Pacific

Rutte's comments come amid a broader shift in NATO's strategic focus. The alliance has increasingly turned its attention to the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ties with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—collectively known as the IP4. These nations have been participating in NATO’s ministerial meetings and summits in recent years, much to the concern of China, which fears the formation of a NATO-like alliance in the region.

The United States has also encouraged NATO to take a more active role in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring Japan's importance in this broader strategic framework. Rutte noted that the U.S. is committed to bolstering its alliance with Japan, particularly in light of the country's unique position as the only G7 member not part of NATO.

On Wednesday, Rutte is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has advocated for a NATO-like security structure in Asia, though specifics remain unclear. As global security concerns continue to grow, the alignment of like-minded nations appears set to deepen, particularly in response to China's increasing assertiveness.