Japanese Prime Minister: "Closer China-Russia Military Cooperation... Russia's Invasion Is Not Someone Else's Problem"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 7th that "(China and Russia) are tightening military cooperation around Japan through joint navigation and joint flights."

Prime Minister Kishida made these remarks during his appearance at the House of Councillors Budget Committee on the same day, adding, "We will respond appropriately in coordination with related countries, including the United States."

Chinese and Russian military aircraft and vessels frequently patrol around Japan, conducting shows of force.

Regarding China's lack of sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine, Kishida pointed out, "We must respond in coordination with related countries to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions."

He emphasized, "We must never consider the change of the status quo by force as something that happened in Europe or someone else's issue," adding, "Since this is a matter shaking the international order including Asia, it is very important to concretely demonstrate our sense of crisis."

On Russia's attack on Ukrainian nuclear power plants, Kishida said, "It is an absolutely unforgivable atrocity. Having experienced the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, our country strongly condemns it. There are reports that nuclear facilities were attacked again on the 6th on site, which is very concerning."

Regarding the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees, he stated, "We will first accept those who have relatives or acquaintances in Japan, but we will continue to review what can be done from a humanitarian perspective depending on changes in the situation." He also said, "We have decided to provide bulletproof vests and helmets owned by the Self-Defense Forces to Ukraine, and we want to deliver the necessary supplies as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.