Japan becomes EU’s first security partner in Indo-Pacific

The European Union and Japan have officially signed a landmark agreement for strategic, security, and defence partnership, marking an unprecedented step in EU-Asia cooperation.

The documents were exchanged in Tokyo by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, during a formal ceremony, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“This strategic partnership agreement will take effect on January 1, 2025,” Iwai announced. “It is accompanied by an agreement on security and defence partnership, making Japan the first country in the Indo-Pacific region to form such a partnership with the EU.” 

In his remarks, Borrell noted that this is “the first such cooperation program in history” that the EU has concluded with a partner in the Indo-Pacific region, signalling the EU’s intent to reinforce its role as a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific. “This partnership will bolster security in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region,” he said, highlighting its focus on democratic principles, respect for human rights, and upholding a rules-based global order.

Following the formal agreement, Borrell held discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, where they underscored the “indivisibility of security” between Europe and Asia. Japan’s intensified security relationship with Europe, including this new partnership with the EU, comes amid growing regional concerns over China's expanding military and maritime activities. The Japanese government, concerned about the stability of the Indo-Pacific, sees collaboration with European allies as essential to counterbalance these developments.

Japanese media stresses that the EU-Japan defence partnership will be “an important tool in managing China’s increasing presence in the region,” highlighting the increasing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific for European nations. The EU, which has also been strengthening its relationships with other Asian countries, is actively working to present itself as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with its recently developed “Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

Following the Tokyo visit, Borrell is scheduled to travel to the Republic of Korea to further EU engagement in East Asia. In Seoul, he is set to meet with South Korean foreign and defence ministers, and will also visit the demilitarized zone on the border with the DPRK.

By Tamilla Hasanova