Japan to Join Security Agreement with Ukraine
Japan is set to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a broader international effort to deter potential future Russian aggression. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made this announcement at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, expressing concern about the ongoing conflict and calling for an early ceasefire to end the loss of innocent lives.
The security guarantees, which are yet to be specified in detail, are being discussed by multiple countries, as announced by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to Rutte, 30 countries, including Japan, will be involved in offering these guarantees for Ukraine.
Japan has already demonstrated its support for Ukraine through a 10-year security cooperation agreement, providing nonlethal aid, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction support. The move towards security guarantees is a significant step forward in Japan's commitment to Ukraine.
However, Japan's involvement will be framed by its constitutional limitations, which permit military action only for self-defense. The country's current overseas missions have been largely restricted to peacekeeping and anti-piracy. Ishiba emphasised the importance of an early ceasefire and a just peace to stop the loss of innocent lives in both Ukraine and Russia.
The Japanese government has not yet released a formal statement regarding its involvement in providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Ishiba has pledged to thoroughly discuss what Japan can and should do, including legal and capability aspects, to fulfill its appropriate role. It remains unclear if other countries are also involved in providing similar security guarantees to Ukraine.
As the international community continues to discuss the security situation in Ukraine, Japan is engaging in ongoing discussions about its role, aiming to deter Russia in collaboration with Western allies, while navigating its own legal and military constraints. The country's contribution is expected to be significant but appropriately calibrated to its policies and capabilities.
[1] The Japan Times. (2023, March 1). Japan to provide security guarantees to Ukraine to deter potential Russian aggression. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/01/national/japan-ukraine-security-guarantees/
[2] Kyodo News. (2023, March 1). Ishiba: Japan to offer security guarantees to Ukraine to deter Russian invasion. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/82e3493c050c-ishiba-japan-to-offer-security-guarantees-to-ukraine-to-deter-russian-invasion.html
[3] Reuters. (2023, March 1). Japan to consider providing security guarantees to Ukraine amid Russia concerns. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-consider-providing-security-guarantees-ukraine-amid-russia-concerns-2023-03-01/
[4] NHK World. (2023, March 1). Ishiba: Japan to consider providing security guarantees to Ukraine amid Russia concerns. Retrieved from https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230301_06/
[5] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Japan to consider providing security guarantees to Ukraine amid Russia concerns. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/japan-to-consider-providing-security-guarantees-to-ukraine-amid-russia-concerns
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