Japan, New Zealand Defense Chiefs Vow Security Cooperation

Tokyo, Dec. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, on Friday agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in the security field amid China’s increasingly hegemonic moves in the Indo-Pacific region. Also on Friday, the Japanese and New Zealand governments signed an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, or ACSA, which enables Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the New Zealand military to exchange fuel and ammunition, as well as an information security agreement. Japan has now signed ACSAs with eight countries, including the United States, Britain and Canada. At a press conference held after his meeting with Collins, Koizumi vowed to “pursue opportunities for further cooperation” after referring to an increase in exchanges between Japanese and New Zealand defense personnel in recent years. Collins expressed her wish to create an environment for seamless cooperation, allowing the two countries to share a wide range of information securely. At the meeting, Koizumi detailed China’s recent use of military radar against Air SDF fighter jets and a joint flight by Chinese and Russian bombers in areas surrounding Japan. The two ministers shared their strong concerns. The two also agreed on closer cooperation in supporting Pacific island countries. Last month, Collins expressed interest in introducing an upgraded version of the Maritime SDF’s Mogami-class frigate when the two ministers met in Malaysia. Koizumi at another press conference Friday, however, did not mention whether the two ministers discussed the subject during the day’s talks. The New Zealand government is considering a plan to renew its naval vessels, Koizumi said, adding, “We’ll continue to communicate closely.” Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Friday that Japan and the Netherlands signed an ACSA on Thursday as part of efforts to deepen security cooperation. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]