On Wednesday, the leaders of Japan and New Zealand reached an important agreement to share intelligence. This agreement comes as both nations are worried about growing security challenges in the region, such as the closer ties between North Korea and Russia.
Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida of Japan and Christopher Luxon of New Zealand issued a joint statement about the increasing tension in the South China Sea. They expressed concern over China’s aggressive actions to claim more territory in the area.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Kishida and Luxon welcomed the new information security agreement. This agreement will allow Japan and New Zealand to share secret information with each other.
The two leaders also decided to speed up talks to sign another agreement. This future agreement would enable the two countries’ military forces to share supplies and logistical support during joint training and operations.
Japan is following its 2022 national security strategy by increasing its military capabilities and expanding defense partnerships. This strategy is in response to threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
Kishida and Luxon strongly condemned the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. They specifically criticized North Korea for sending ballistic missiles to Russia, which have been used against Ukraine.
Prime Minister Luxon emphasized the importance of Japan and New Zealand working together at this critical time. He mentioned that the two leaders discussed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to North Korea and how North Korea is helping Russia in its war against Ukraine.
During his visit, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement promising mutual support if either country is attacked. This visit happened amid increasing tensions with Western countries, who are worried about North Korea supplying Russia with weapons for the Ukraine war. In return, Russia might provide North Korea with economic help and technology, which could boost North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program.
Japan has already signed similar intelligence-sharing agreements with eight other countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, and South Korea, as well as with NATO. Japan is also in talks with Canada for a similar deal and has agreed with Ukraine to start discussions on this matter.
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