Kishida: Japan Does Not Intend to Join NATO

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed today, Wednesday, that Japan does not plan to join NATO. However, he acknowledged that the military alliance is planning to open a liaison office in Japan. During a parliamentary session, Kishida stated, "I have no knowledge of a decision to establish an office for the alliance." Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed at a press conference today that "Beijing opposes NATO's plan to open a liaison office in Japan." Kishida's statements follow comments made earlier this month by the Japanese ambassador to the United States, who indicated that the U.S.-led alliance plans to open an office in Tokyo, which would be the first of its kind in Asia, to facilitate consultations in the region.