FILE PHOTO: Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a bilateral meeting held by U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres (not pictured), on the sideline of the G7 leaders' summit in Hiroshima, western Japan May 21, 2023.  REUTERS/Androniki Christodoulou/Pool
Japan

Japan reaffirms no plans to join NATO

On Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country had no plans to become a NATO member but acknowledged the security alliance's plan to open a liaison office in Japan.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday said the country had no plans to become a NATO member but acknowledged the security alliance's plan to open a liaison office in Japan.

Kishida's comments came after the Japanese ambassador to the United States earlier this month said that the U.S.-led military pact was planning a Tokyo office, the first in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.

"I am not aware of any decision made" at NATO regarding the establishment of the office, Kishida told a Wednesday parliament session, adding his country was not planning to join NATO as a member or semi-member state.

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

Also Read

Landfill collapse in Philippines triggers rescue effort

French farmers protest EU-Mercosur deal over cheap food imports

Russia, France in prisoner swap as researcher Vinatier freed

Pope Leo vows to continue Church reforms at cardinals’ summit

Australia to probe rise in antisemitism after mass shooting