EU, Japan announce defence pact to counter growing regional threats

Japan and the European Union have unveiled a new security and defence partnership aimed at strengthening military cooperation, as tensions intensify with China, North Korea, and Russia. 

"We live in a very dangerous world," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated at a press conference in Tokyo on Friday, where he stood alongside Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. "We live in a world of growing rivalries, climate accidents and threats of war. And there is only one antidote to this challenging world, which is partnerships among friends," Borrell added, marking the formal announcement of the partnership.

The deal represents the first security agreement the EU has established with a country in the Asia-Pacific region, a milestone both officials acknowledged. “It is an historical and very timely step given the situation in both of our regions,” Borrell remarked. 

Borrell’s visit to Tokyo is part of a broader tour of East Asia, including South Korea, where he is scheduled to hold a strategic dialogue, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to deeper engagement in the Asia-Pacific region amid heightened joint military activities by China and Russia, as well as North Korea’s military support to Russia.

Their discussions followed a North Korean test-launch of what is believed to be a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday. Both Borrell and Iwaya expressed “grave concern” over North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia, including troop deployments and arms transfers, according to a statement from the EU. The officials reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's military actions.

Japan has been ramping up its defence capabilities under a security strategy introduced in 2022. In addition to strengthening its longstanding alliance with the United States, Japan has expanded its defence ties with partners such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and other European and Asia-Pacific nations to counter China's growing regional influence. Tokyo has also relaxed its self-imposed restrictions on arms exports, aiming to bolster its defence industry on a global scale. Japan is working with the UK and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet.

The EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership outlines plans for “concrete naval cooperation,” including joint exercises and port visits, which may extend to “mutually designated third countries.” The agreement also includes discussions on “defence industry-related matters,” promoting an exchange of information between the two parties.

Earlier on Friday, Borrell met with Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, with whom he agreed on the importance of viewing security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific as interlinked. Japan’s Ministry of Defence reported that both leaders committed to deepening defence cooperation.

Borrell later posted on the social media platform X, saying, “We reaffirmed the need for strengthened EU-Japan cooperation in security and defence, including on maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats amid growing regional and global security challenges.”