Japan, Canada to begin intelligence- sharing talks amid growing China, Russia threats
- Launch of formal talks on intelligence-sharing pact part of action plan announced as Japanese, Canadian foreign ministers met in Tokyo
- Japan has been deepening defence cooperation beyond US in face of China’s increasing assertiveness and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Japan and Canada agreed to formally start talks toward signing a military intelligence information sharing accord as their foreign ministers on Tuesday adopted an action plan to strengthen cooperation on defence, economic security and other areas amid growing threats from China and Russia.
The launch of formal talks on the intelligence-sharing pact, or General Security of Information Agreement, is part of an action plan announced by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, after their talks in Tokyo.
The two sides aim to reach an agreement “as soon as possible” to facilitate information sharing and further strengthen cooperation between their militaries, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Japan has been deepening defence cooperation beyond its key ally, the United States, in recent years in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, as well as growing concern that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could further embolden Beijing.
03:07
‘US bases on Okinawa inevitable’: perceptions shift in Japan on American military presence
Japan has similar intelligence-sharing agreements with eight countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, South Korea, as well as Nato.