'We Can Learn From Each Other': Why NATO Is Turning to JapanーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Why It Matters
By linking European defense goals with Japan’s tech and US alliance model, NATO aims to boost burden‑sharing and counter rising Chinese and Russian threats, reshaping trans‑Atlantic security dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- •NATO sends largest delegation ever to Japan for security cooperation
- •Allies discuss joint support for Ukraine and counter‑China strategies
- •Japan showcases defense tech startups producing drone batteries, satellite engines
- •NATO seeks lessons on Japan‑US alliance to appease Trump’s demands
- •European members urged to raise defense spending to 5% GDP by 2035
Summary
NATO sent its largest ever delegation of 30 member‑state ambassadors to Tokyo, aiming to deepen security cooperation with Japan and learn from its partnership with the United States.
The talks covered joint support for Ukraine, responses to China’s military buildup, and a NATO‑wide push to raise defense budgets to 5 % of GDP by 2035. Delegates also met Japanese defense‑tech startups producing drone batteries and small‑satellite engines, seeking supply‑chain partnerships.
Foreign Minister Matei Toshi Mitsu and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi highlighted the need for close coordination, while an ambassador noted the value of observing the US‑Japan naval collaboration at the Yokosuka base. “We can learn from each other,” one delegate summed up.
The visit signals a strategic pivot toward Asia for NATO, offering Europe new technology sources and a model for managing US relations under President Trump’s pressure, while reinforcing Japan’s role as a key partner in the Indo‑Pacific security architecture.
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