France Warns Japan's NATO Office Bid Would Worsen Tension with China
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – France expressed hesitance in granting approval for the establishment of a NATO office in Tokyo, Japan, next year, as reported by a US source.
The country believes that NATO should limit its presence to the "North Atlantic" region specified in the alliance's charter.
President Emmanuel Macron of France is cautious about any plan that could contribute to tension between NATO and China, according to an insider. Additionally, France raises concerns that a NATO office in Japan may undermine European credibility in relation to efforts to separate Beijing and Moscow.
NATO allies have been increasing their presence in the Indo-Pacific region, with the US-led alliance designating China as a security challenge.
Talks between Japan and NATO about opening a liaison office have been ongoing, and if established, it would formalize and sustain NATO's engagement in the Indo-Pacific. However, unanimous support from all members of NATO's North Atlantic Council is required for the office to be established.
While no official comments have been made, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed discussions about opening a NATO liaison bureau in Tokyo. Japan, a "global partner" of NATO, has been strengthening its ties with the alliance, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended an alliance summit in 2022.
The French reluctance to approve the move comes after Macron's visit to Beijing, where he called for Europe to diminish its dependency on the US and build up its "strategic autonomy," particularly concerning the Taiwan issue.
Macron's previous statements about NATO's "brain death" and the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities have generated controversy. However, discussions about expanding NATO's headquarters in Brussels to accommodate potential future members, such as Finland and Sweden, are also taking place.
