(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
December 10, 2025
Ministry of Defense Japan
On December 10, commencing at 19:20 (Japan Time) for approximately 15 minutes, Minister of Defense KOIZUMI Shinjiro held a video teleconference (VTC) with H.E. Mr. Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
- At the outset, Minister Koizumi conveyed that cooperation between Japan and NATO as well as between NATO and IP4 (Indo-Pacific Four: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea) is strategically important as security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions has become inseparable. He also expressed to work further strengthening Japan-NATO cooperation in this context.
- Both sides also discussed regional security environment. Minister Koizumi briefed the radar incident ofChinese military aircraft illuminating radar onto JSDF fighters on 6th December and the Chinese-Russian bombers’ joint flight on 9th December. Both sides shared grave concerns over this incident and concurred to closely communicate with each other. Minister Koizumi emphasized to respond to such acts conducted by China in a calm and yet resolute manner.
- Both sides agreed to continue working closely to further advance cooperation between Japan and NATO, and between NATO and IP4.
Video Telconference between Defense Minister Koizumi and NATO Secretary General Rutte (PDF)