Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's absence from the NATO summit has drawn criticism in Japan, as it resulted in a missed opportunity to strengthen security cooperation with European leaders. In contrast, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the summit as the only leader from the four Indo-Pacific partners (IP4), promoting expanded defense industry cooperation and announcing additional support for Ukraine.
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on July 9 that Takaichi's absence was influenced by the ongoing political deadlock in the National Diet. The Takaichi administration, backed by a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, pushed for key legislation, including a reduction in the number of lawmakers. In response, opposition parties refused to attend sessions, halting legislative discussions and disrupting diplomatic schedules. Although Takaichi sent Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in her place, a planned debate with party leaders was ultimately postponed, raising questions about the benefits of her remaining in Japan.
A senior official from Japan's Foreign Ministry stated, "There is no doubt that it would have been better for the Prime Minister to attend the NATO summit," according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. However, another official noted that while past summits included expanded meetings with NATO leaders and IP4 representatives, this year's focus shifted more towards discussions among NATO member states. The Asahi Shimbun also reported that discussions among member countries regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's demands for increased defense spending took precedence, resulting in a lower profile for the IP4 at the summit. Some within the Japanese government argue that the diplomatic losses from the Prime Minister's absence are limited.
Nevertheless, Japanese media assessed that the diplomatic costs of Takaichi's absence are significant. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun pointed out that the summit was expected to address not only Ukraine and the Middle East but also the security situation in East Asia concerning China and North Korea, marking a missed opportunity for Japan to enhance security cooperation with European leaders. The Asahi Shimbun reported that discussions between NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and IP4 representatives included military cooperation with Russia and North Korea, cyber and defense industry collaboration, and China's submarine-launched ballistic missile launches. The fact that the Prime Minister lost the chance to meet with leaders from various countries to convey Japan's position is also seen as a considerable setback.
Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended NATO summits for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024. However, following the absence of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last year, Takaichi's absence marks the second consecutive year without a Japanese Prime Minister at the NATO summit.
Lee's Notable First Attendance at NATO Summit
Meanwhile, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun highlighted President Lee's participation in the NATO summit, noting that he views the military spending increases by NATO member countries as an opportunity for South Korea's defense industry to expand its market. The report mentioned that while both Lee and former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba were absent last year, this year, Takaichi's absence allowed Lee to attend the NATO summit for the first time since taking office. The Yomiuri Shimbun also reported on Lee's significant role as the only leader from the IP4 to attend.
President Lee held his first face-to-face meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and agreed to initiate negotiations for standardizing weapon systems, enhancing interoperability, and establishing a joint procurement agreement for military supplies. The Yomiuri Shimbun noted that if the agreement is finalized, it would lay the groundwork for South Korean companies to enter the NATO joint procurement market, estimated to be worth around 15 trillion won annually. Additionally, the South Korean government announced $100 million in additional support for Ukraine in conjunction with the summit.
Keio University Professor Michito Tsuruoka told the Nihon Keizai Shimbun that the significance of the Japanese Prime Minister attending the NATO summit lies in signaling the seriousness of the Indo-Pacific situation concerning North Korea and China. He emphasized that as awareness of the Chinese threat grows within NATO, this summit represented a valuable opportunity for Japan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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