The revelations come at an inopportune time for Kishida, who had gained a boost in popularity with the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima
Japan won't join NATO, but local office considered, PM Kishida says
Kishida's comments came after the Japanese ambassador to the United States said that the US-led military pact was planning a Tokyo office
Published : 24 May 2023, 03:47 AM
Updated : 24 May 2023, 03:47 AM
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 US-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.
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