Japan and the European Union announced on Friday (November 1) in Tokyo the establishment of a comprehensive new security and defense partnership, with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, hailing it as a historic and “very timely” step.
Borrell and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya signed an agreement to cooperate in areas such as conducting joint military exercises, exchanging information related to defense industries, and ensuring space security.
“I am very pleased to announce the agreement on security and defense partnership between the EU and Japan with Foreign Minister Iwaya,” Borrell said.
He described it as the “first agreement of this nature” reached between the EU and an Asia-Pacific country, emphasizing that the agreement is both historically significant and very timely.
In a press briefing, Borrell stated, “We live in a very dangerous world,” and added, “Given the situation in our two regions, this political framework will deepen our shared ability to tackle new threats.”
While Borrell did not mention China, Japan has previously identified its neighbor as its biggest security challenge, citing increased military capabilities by the Chinese authorities in the region.
The text of the “EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership” agreement, seen by Agence France-Presse, highlights that both parties will enhance “specific naval cooperation,” including joint exercises and port visits, potentially involving a “commonly designated third country.”
Following the conclusion of talks in Tokyo, Borrell departed for South Korea, where concerns regarding North Korea are expected to be high on the agenda.
The United States has stated that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia preparing to engage in combat in Ukraine.
On October 31, Pyongyang test-fired its latest and most powerful missile, showcasing a threat to the U.S. mainland just days before the presidential election.
(Transcribed from Taiwan Central Broadcasting Station)