New Japanese Prime Minister promises to maintain support for Ukraine

Japan's support for Ukraine will continue Sanctions imposed on Russia will remain in effect.

This was stated by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in his keynote speech in parliament, RBC-Ukraine reports citing Bloomberg.

“Many fear that today's Ukraine could become tomorrow's East Asia. Why did deterrence not work in Ukraine? Combined with the situation in the Middle East, the international community is becoming increasingly divided and confrontational,” he said.

Ishiba did not mention China directly, but Japan's relations with its neighbor have deteriorated in recent years as Beijing has asserted its military presence around disputed territories in the region. For Japan, the United States, and other allies, China's claims to a democratic Taiwan are of particular concern.

Against the backdrop of tensions with China, Ishiba said he would seek a constructive and stable relationship with Beijing while clearly defending Japan's interests.

Ishiba reiterated that Japan's alliance with the United States will remain the cornerstone of Tokyo's approach to addressing growing regional security challenges. Japan will also continue to build up its own defense capabilities, Ishiba said.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 05/10/2024