Japan and New Zealand have reached an agreement in principle on an intelligence sharing pact, as leaders from both countries express shared concerns over the increasingly challenging security environment in the region. The agreement comes in the wake of growing ties between Russia and North Korea, which have raised alarms.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted their worries about escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its territorial claims more aggressively. The leaders welcomed the agreement in principle for an information security pact to facilitate classified information sharing.
Additionally, both countries have agreed to expedite discussions towards signing a pact that would enable their forces to share logistical support and supplies during bilateral training and other operations. Japan's 2022 national security strategy has emphasized military buildup and expanding defense partnerships in response to threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
Kishida and Luxon strongly condemned the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly the North's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. The leaders emphasized the importance of addressing serious regional issues in Japan's neighborhood through collaboration.
During a joint news conference, Luxon highlighted the significance of engaging with Japan to understand and respond to regional challenges. The leaders discussed Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Pyongyang and the implications of North Korea's involvement in Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid in the face of aggression, amid escalating tensions with the West. Concerns have been raised over a potential arms arrangement between North Korea and Russia, which could enhance the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile program.
Japan has existing intelligence-sharing agreements with eight other countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, and South Korea, as well as with NATO. Negotiations are underway with Canada for a similar deal, and talks have been initiated with Ukraine.
