Japan and EU sign new defence and security pact amid rising regional tensions

The partnership is the first of its kind between the EU and an Indo-Pacific nation, and comes as concerns rise over China, North Korea and Russia.

Transcript

00:00The European Union and Japan signed a historic pact of security and defense. It is a first

00:07agreement of its kind between the EU and an Indo-Pacific country.

00:12During a joint statement in Tokyo with the Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, EU

00:17top diplomat Josep Borrell said it is a timely step amid the growing tensions with China,

00:23North Korea and Russia.

00:24It is a historical and very timely step given the situation in both of our regions. This

00:33political framework deepens our ability to tackle emerging threats together and towards

00:42a future where our values, our common values of democracy, human rights and the rules-based

00:50international order will continue to guide our way.

00:56The high representative is on a tour of East Asia where he will also hold strategic conversations

01:02with South Korea to discuss the EU's increased engagement with the region.

01:08It comes as China and Russia stepped up their joint military activities and North Korea

01:12recently sent troops to help fight alongside Russia.