Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has proposed establishing a long-term security architecture modeled after an “Asian NATO,” aiming to link existing regional agreements such as the U.S.-Japan, U.S.-South Korea, ANZUS, and U.S.-Philippines partnerships.
Speaking as a panelist during the 27th World Knowledge Forum in a session titled “The Future of Korea-Japan Relations,” Ishiba advocated for transitioning away from the traditional bilateral hub-and-spoke arrangement toward a broader, interconnected security framework.
As a practical starting point, Ishiba suggested that participating nations negotiate an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, emphasizing that the proposed structure is not intended as an anti-China initiative.
“This vision is by no means aimed at containing China; it must be paired with a peaceful approach that understands Beijing’s internal challenges, such as demographic decline, while preserving open hotlines.”
Addressing South Korea’s ambition to build nuclear-powered submarines, Ishiba stated that Seoul possesses sufficient capability to take on a larger role in regional defense and help lighten the security responsibilities currently borne by the United States.
“Korea possesses sufficient capability to contribute to self-reliant national defense and help ease the security burden on the United States.”
Nevertheless, Ishiba urged South Korea, Japan, and the United States to deepen security cooperation immediately, pointing to the risk of simultaneous crises emerging in the Taiwan Strait and on the Korean Peninsula.
“To prepare for a compound crisis where contingencies in the Taiwan Strait and the Korean Peninsula unfold concurrently, South Korea, the United States, and Japan must begin substantive consultations, including discussions on the role of the United Nations Command.”