February 21, 2024
1 min read

European Union, Japan plan security accord

The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the EU and Japan to elevate their partnership to a higher level…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) on Monday decided to engage in negotiations with Japan to establish a security and defence partnership agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level amid China’s maritime assertiveness, Kyodo News reported citing an EU document.

The proposed agreement between the EU and Japan seeks to enhance cooperation in various domains, including maritime security, intelligence sharing, and addressing hybrid attacks – a novel form of warfare blending military and non-military strategies, such as disinformation campaigns, to achieve strategic goals.

According to Kyodo News, the move comes after Japan and the EU vowed to “develop further (their) security partnership” in a joint statement following their summit meeting last July amid concerns about China’s growing clout in the East and South China seas.

Calling Japan a “key partner in the Indo-Pacific” region, the document said the two sides are “longstanding partners in the field of peace, security and defence and have significantly developed their relationship in these areas over the past few years.

The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the EU and Japan to elevate their partnership to a higher level.

Among the 14 areas identified for potential collaboration with Japan, maritime security features prominently, including joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting the maritime security capabilities of Southeast Asian nations, Kyodo News said.

Additionally, the EU aims to collaborate with Japan in responding to cyber threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and coordinating efforts in counterterrorism, space security, and defence, it said.

During its summit last year, the EU emphasized the strategic importance of the East and South China Seas for regional and global security and prosperity, expressing concerns over escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The decision to pursue a security agreement underscores the EU’s commitment to bolstering regional stability and security in collaboration with key partners like Japan amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Japan provides $13.5 mn humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: WFP

Previous Story

Indian delegation to visit London to resolve FTA issues

Next Story

N-missile test fails for second time in eight years

Latest from -Top News

India-EU Trade Talks Resume

The proposed India-EU FTA covers 23 policy areas, or chapters, of which at least two – market access and rules of origin – have yet to be resolved….reports Asian Lite News India

India Launches Relief Ops in Bhutan

The Royal Government of Bhutan has expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Army…reports Asian Lite News Amid unprecedented floods caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, relentless rainfall has

Jaishankar Hints at Tariff Deal with US

Jaishankar explained that the ongoing trade tensions largely stem from the inability of both sides to reach a common ground on several issues….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on

Rajnath Singh Heads to Australia for Key Defence Talks

The visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate five years of establishment of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership…reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Australia from

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India, Japan, Australia and US to hold 2nd phase of Malabar exercise

The JMSDF will be represented by JS Kaga and JS

Protest in Brussels to mark ‘B’desh Genocide Day’

Protestors raised demand for EU,UN recognition of 1971 genocide…reports Asian