01.12.2024, Tokio.
The Japanese government began discussions on creating an Asian equivalent of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Yomiuri newspaper wrote on December 1.
According to the publication, the proposal was put forward by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has ordered the establishment of a special committee to explore the organization of a military alliance.
The “Asian version of NATO,” as envisioned by Japanese authorities, would be an alliance comprising Japan, the United States, and several allies in the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at countering perceived threats from China.
On November 29, Shigeru Ishiba stated that the Japanese government would maintain its course toward concluding a peace treaty with Russia despite the ongoing difficulties in bilateral relations. Russia halted consultations with Japan on renewing the peace treaty after Tokyo joined anti-Russian sanctions. Additionally, negotiations on joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands have been suspended.
