Japan and Brazil Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Security Concerns
Japan and Brazil enhance strategic ties via a new five-year plan for defense and foreign policy exchanges amid global security concerns. The plan involves political and economic dialogue, focusing on international issues, and addresses rising defense spending in Japan in light of U.S. policy challenges.
Japan and Brazil have agreed to enhance their strategic partnership focusing on foreign policy and defense exchanges during a recent state visit by Brazilian President Lula Da Silva. A five-year action plan will facilitate cooperation in political and economic dialogue as well as address climate-related issues, according to Japan’s foreign ministry. Leaders of both nations discussed pressing international matters such as the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia during their meeting.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba asserted that any unilateral actions to change the status quo globally should not be tolerated. Under the new framework, Japan and Brazil will engage in discussions on bilateral cooperation, which encompasses defense equipment and technology. Japan plans to raise its defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by 2027, a marked increase from the historically maintained cap of 1%. For the upcoming fiscal year 2024, Japan proposed a defense budget of 7.7 trillion yen, with an expected request of 8.73 trillion yen for FY2025, reflecting a commitment to defense objectives as noted by the Royal United Services Institute.
Concerns regarding defense are compounded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s transactional foreign policy approach. Recently, Trump expressed doubts about the U.S.-Japan security treaty despite acknowledging the strong U.S.-Japan relationship, highlighting a one-sided commitment where Japan is obliged to protect U.S. interests without a reciprocal obligation. Since 2014, Japan’s self-defense forces have been permitted to assist allies under attack, a shift initiated by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Additionally, Japan faces challenges due to tariff policies linked to Trump’s “America First” strategy, with recent announcements of 25% tariffs on auto imports impacting key Japanese industries. In response, Ishiba has indicated that all options will be considered regarding U.S. tariffs.
Japan and Brazil are taking significant steps to solidify their strategic relations through a new action plan focusing on defense and foreign policy. Amidst rising global security concerns influenced by U.S. policy, both countries emphasize the importance of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Japan’s commitment to increasing its defense budget reflects its proactive stance in navigating contemporary geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
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