The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set to open its first permanent liaison office in Asia in Japan. The move comes as China’s influence in the region continues to grow, and the office will allow the military alliance to deepen cooperation with Japan and other regional powers such as South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Funding Arrangements and Cooperation Agreement

According to Nikkei, Japanese and NATO officials have confirmed the plans, but both sides are still negotiating funding arrangements for the one-person NATO liaison office which will open in Tokyo next year. If Japan were to fund the office, it would be an important and highly symbolic step towards widening the military alliance’s focus from North America and Europe to the Asia-Pacific.

In addition to the opening of a dedicated mission to NATO in Belgium, Japan has also committed to signing a cooperation agreement with NATO on cyber security, “emerging and disruptive technologies”, and combatting disinformation before the next NATO summit in June.

NATO’s Strategic Concept

NATO’s “2022 Strategic Concept” stated intentions to “strengthen dialogue and cooperation with new and existing partners in the Indo-Pacific to tackle cross-regional challenges and shared security interests.” The document also identified China as a threat to its “interests, security, and values,” citing the country’s cyber-attacks, deepening cooperation with Russia, and growing economic clout.

China’s Threats Against Taiwan

In February, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg gave a speech in Japan in which he said that China’s threats against Taiwan have “no justification” and that a conflict around Taiwan would be detrimental to all. He also added that NATO does not regard China as an adversary and does not seek confrontation with anyone. The alliance will continue to engage with China on issues where it sees common or potential common interests, such as arms control, climate change, and other issues.

Implications of the NATO Office in Japan

The opening of a NATO office in Japan will allow for increased cooperation between Japan and the military alliance. It will also serve as a signal to China that NATO is taking an active interest in the region and is prepared to work with countries in the Indo-Pacific to address common challenges and concerns. As China’s influence in the region continues to grow, the presence of NATO in the region may serve to balance the power dynamics and provide a counterweight to China’s expanding military and economic clout.