Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on February 5 to deepen bilateral cooperation. The Japanese and Italian leaders, who met in Tokyo, agreed to focus first on diplomacy and security.
In addition to being a G7 country, Italy is also an important member of NATO and the European Union. It has the third highest GDP among EU member states, after Germany and France.
Italy’s growing interest in security in the Indo-Pacific region is welcomed. An Italian carrier strike group is scheduled to make its first port call in Japan in 2024. Joint training with the Self-Defense Forces will also be conducted. Additionally, Italy, the UK, and Japan are jointly developing next-generation fighter jets. Italy is seen as an important partner in this regard.
In 2024, Italy will hold the G7 Presidency, similar to Japan in 2023. Prime Minister Meloni told Prime Minister Kishida, “I want to take up the baton and work hard to achieve great results.” The two leaders also agreed to work closely in the lead-up to the G7 Summit to be held in Fasano, Italy, in mid-June.
Future tasks
The invasion of Ukraine and the recent crisis in the Middle East show no signs of ending. And the US presidential election in November is approaching. Any of these could lead to a dramatic change in the security situation.
Furthermore, unity within the G7 is being tested. Public opinion in the United States and some European countries is evidence of “aid fatigue” regarding Ukraine.
It was certainly timely for the leaders of Japan and Italy to meet under these circumstances. Both leaders announced their determination to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
Mr. Kishida and Mr. Meloni discussed a variety of issues, including the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. These include North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues, the abduction issue and the situation in East Asia, and concerns about China.
Destructive China and Russia
China is increasing military pressure with the aim of annexing Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Chinese government does not hesitate to use trade and investment as a weapon to pressure parties that do not get its way.
Both China and Russia continue to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. During this time, North Korea repeatedly launched missiles. All three countries are showing flagrant disregard for international rules. G7 countries that share the same values need to come together to stop this.
Italy is the only G7 country to join China’s mega-economic plan, One Belt, One Road. However, after the Meloni administration took office, Italy announced its intention to withdraw. Italy shares with us strong security concerns about China. Sending an aircraft carrier strike force to Japan would send a strong message of deterrence.
I would like Japan and Italy to vigorously advance diplomatic and security cooperation that contributes to world peace and stability. This includes joint development of next-generation fighter jets.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese. )
Author: Sankei Shimbun editorial board member