Japan, Germany Pledge to Boost Security Cooperation Amid Rising Global Tensions
Japan and Germany have pledged to further strengthen bilateral security cooperation, the two countries announced Monday following their first “strategic dialogue” held in Tokyo. The talks were co-chaired by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, who is on a three-day visit to Japan.
Iwaya emphasized that the international order “faces severe challenges,” noting that the need for cooperation between Tokyo and Berlin “is increasing.” Both sides highlighted their existing partnership, including a bilateral acquisition and cross-servicing agreement that came into effect in July last year, facilitating joint exercises between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the German military. Wadephul described Japan as a “special partner in Asia that shares the same values and principles,” adding that Germany is determined to deepen security cooperation.
The ministers also discussed global flashpoints, including Ukraine, North Korea, the Middle East, and Africa. They underscored the inseparability of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, vowing to work closely for peace and stability. At a joint press conference, Wadephul warned that China “repeatedly threatens to unilaterally change the status quo” in the Taiwan Strait and South and East China Seas, calling any escalation a threat to global trade and security. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning rejected the remarks, stressing that Taiwan is an internal matter and urging parties to avoid “provocations” and resolve disputes through dialogue.
