Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has begun discussing the creation of a NATO analogue in Asia, Japanese media reported on Sunday.
A special committee chaired by Itsunori Onodera, head of the party’s Political Council and former Defence Minister, has begun work at the alliance’s headquarters.
Japanese media reported that the structure was set up at the behest of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The idea of creating an “Asian NATO analogue” has been expressed by the head of the Japanese government since 2020. Ishiba also actively promoted the idea during the campaign before his election as leader of the LDP and head of government in September this year.
Prime Minister Ishiba did not give specific details of the concept of an “Asian NATO analogue,” but noted that the basis for this new alliance should be a military alliance between Washington and Tokyo with the involvement of some other countries in the region.
Many in the LDP were sceptical of the idea of an “Asian NATO analogue,” calling it “difficult to implement.” In addition, opponents of the new alliance pointed out that there was a particular need for some kind of change in Japan’s constitution.
Among other things, the danger of aggravating relations with China was voiced, as Beijing has repeatedly opposed any attempts to form a North Atlantic Alliance in the Asia-Pacific region.
