France rejects NATO's plans for liaison office in Japan.

Japan's defense minister expressed support for Sweden's NATO membership during talks with his Swedish counterpart, as the two sides called for stronger military ties amid shared concern over threats from Russia and China. Sweden sees the need for European countries to reach out to Asian partners because of the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Discussions are underway to open a NATO office in Japan, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reportedly considering attending a NATO meeting next month.