Monthly Statistics on Scrambles（January）

Japan Joint Staff released its monthly statistics on scrambles. In January, JASDF conducted 41 scrambles. The most scrambles are against Russian aircrafts (26 times). The others were against Chinese aircrafts (15 times).

On February 13, Japan–UK defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

The two ministers confirmed continued close cooperation across broad areas. They reaffirmed that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable and pledged to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

On February 13, meeting between Japan’s defense minister and NATO secretary general was held in Munich.

They reaffirmed their shared view that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable. They concurred that cooperation between Japan and NATO and between NATO and IP4 (Indo-Pacific Four: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea) is increasingly important for strengthening deterrence and should be enhanced. They exchanged views on the regional security environment and Japan-NATO cooperation and confirmed they would promote the partnership.

On February 13, Japan-New Zealand defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

The two Ministers confirmed that they would work together to promote cooperation with NATO and European countries as a member of the IP4, based on the recognition that security of Europe-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.

On February 13, Japan–Italy defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

The two ministers exchanged views on regional security issues and confirmed that they would work closely together, based on the view that security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.

On February 13, Japan–Canada defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

The two ministers noted that, based on their shared recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is increasingly inseparable, strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries is becoming more important. They confirmed they would continue working closely to deepen Japan–Canada defense cooperation and exchanges and advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

On February 13, Japan’s defense minister delivered a speech on Japan’s security and defense policy and participated in a dialogue on the main stage of the Munich Security Conference.

He noted that the international order—rule of law, freedom of navigation, and respect for sovereignty—is being tested by attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific. He outlined key initiatives: strengthening Japan’s defense, reinforcing the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and expanding Indo-Pacific connectivity. He reaffirmed Japan’s determination to work with allies and like-minded partners and to contribute to global peace and stability through broad security cooperation.

On February 13, Japanese authorities released the captain of a Chinese fishing vessel captured in Japan's exclusive economic zone after China submitted documents guaranteeing a deposit. The vessel ignored an order to stop, and officials arrested the captain on suspicion of violating the law on sovereign fishing rights. The captain admitted not complying with the inspection.

On February 14, Japan’s foreign minister met with the NATO secretary general in Munich.

The minister welcomed continued high-level exchanges and stated that, given the inseparability of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, cooperation between Japan and NATO and between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners (Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea) is strategically important. He added that Japan will strengthen relations with NATO. The secretary general shared this view, expressed his desire to further develop the Japan-NATO relationship, and valued Japan’s cooperation with NATO. They exchanged views on regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific, and confirmed that Japan and NATO and NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners will continue close cooperation.

On February 14, the G7 foreign minister’s meeting was held in Munich.

On international partnerships, India’s foreign minister joined discussions on cross-cutting threats, including maritime security. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of the G7 working closely with partners, including Global South countries. On maritime security, Japan’s minister outlined Japan’s initiatives under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and emphasized cooperation among like-minded countries.

Regarding regional situations, the G7 ministers discussed a wide range of areas and confirmed the importance of a coordinated response. On the Indo-Pacific, Japan’s minister explained Japan’s position on recent developments.

On February 14, Japan-U.S. foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Munich.

Japan’s minister expressed his desire to work closely to forge a new chapter in the Japan-U.S. Alliance. They exchanged candid views on common challenges across various fields and agreed on concrete security cooperation to strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities.

They affirmed their commitment to coordination among like-minded countries, such as Japan-U.S.-ROK, Japan-U.S.-Philippines, and Japan-Australia-India-U.S., toward a free and open Indo-Pacific, and exchanged broad views on regional affairs. U.S. secretary of state reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

On February 14, Japan-Germany foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Munich.

Germany’s minister stated that deepening cooperation with Japan, a partner sharing common values, is increasingly important and expressed his desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation. In response, Japan’s minister welcomed Germany’s active engagement in the Indo-Pacific, noting this year marks the 10th anniversary of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), and stated his intention to continue close cooperation.

They confirmed they will further strengthen the security foundation based on progress in bilateral security cooperation and frankly exchanged views on the situation in East Asia. They confirmed that Japan and Germany will work closely to address international challenges.

On February 14, Japan’s foreign minister attended a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference in the session “Double Trouble? Europe, Asia, and Connected Security Challenges”.

In the panel discussion, he noted that the security environment is undergoing the most significant changes since WWII and emphasized the need to uphold a free and open international order under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” He highlighted that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable and stressed the importance of cooperation with like-minded countries, including European partners, alongside the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

The panelists discussed policy toward China and cooperation among allies and like-minded countries.

On February 14, Japan-Germany defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

They welcomed close defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Germany across all services, sharing the view that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable. They confirmed they will continue to deepen Japan–Germany defense cooperation, including within the Japan-NATO framework, and promote a security environment that does not tolerate unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.

On February 14, Japan–Australia defense ministerial meeting was held in Munich.

They expressed their commitment to continue discussions to further strengthen Japan–Australia defense cooperation. They reaffirmed the importance of cooperating and taking concrete steps to strengthen multi-layered cooperative relationships for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, with Japan and Australia as a central pillar of coordination among like-minded countries.

On February 14, meeting between Japan’s defense minister and EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy was held in Munich.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on Japan–EU defense cooperation and the increasingly severe security environment. They confirmed they would further promote cooperation, including in maritime security, and work closely to maintain a rules-based international order and advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

On February 14, China’s foreign minister again criticized Japan at the Munich Security Conference over prime minister Takaichi Sanae’s remarks on a Taiwan contingency, warning of what he called a dangerous trend in Japan. He said the comments challenged China’s sovereignty and the post-World War II order, adding that China could not accept them. He also accused Japan of harboring ambitions to invade and colonize Taiwan and said the specter of militarism still lingers. China has used international forums to press its criticism.

Japan’s foreign minister responded that Japan has followed a pacifist path since World War II and remains committed to global peace and prosperity, adding that China’s claims are unfounded.

Excerpt from a statement posted on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

On February 14, a Chinese participant made inappropriate remarks regarding Japan’s security policies at the Munich Security Conference. In response, Japan’s Foreign Minister clarified Japan’s position at another session and lodged a stern demarche through diplomatic channels. As China’s assertions are factually incorrect and unfounded, Japan reiterates its position.

Some countries have increased their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner and attempted unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion, which Japan opposes. Japan’s contributions to international peace and stability are widely recognized. Its efforts to strengthen defense capabilities respond to a severe security environment and are not directed at any specific country. Japan expects the Taiwan issue to be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

As challenges remain, communication between Japan and China is essential, and Japan remains open to dialogue and will continue to respond calmly and appropriately.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, plans to aid development of a fish market in Indonesia's Natuna Islands, including a wharf, cold-storage, and ice-making facilities, with the market expected to be completed in about a year. Japan has been boosting fishery-related aid to the Natuna Islands in the southern South China Sea, likely to curb China's influence.

On February 14, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) confirmed two Russian Steregushchiy class frigate (hull number 333 and 343) and one Dubna class medium seagoing tanker sailing southwest in waters 90km northeast of Tsushima Island (Nagasaki Prefecture). These vessels sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait and navigated to the East China Sea.

On February 16, these vessels sailed southwest through waters between Yonagunijima Island and Iriomotejima Island (both in Okinawa Prefecture) and navigated to the Pacific Ocean.

On February 16, the Japan Joint Staff confirmed one Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft flying from the continent over the Sea of Japan. The aircraft flew to the area off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, then turned back and flew toward the continent.
The JASDF scrambled fighter jets in response to this Russian aircraft.

On February 16, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said the government is updating its vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Citing China’s growing influence and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said Japan’s security environment is becoming increasingly challenging. He said the vision, put forward 10 years ago, needs to evolve to meet changing times. The government will add responses to challenges such as economic security and technology competition while retaining its core principles of freedom and the rule of law.

On February 17, the United States and the Philippines outlined defense and security plans for this year in a joint statement, including joint military exercises, military modernization support, and increased deployments of U.S. missile and unmanned systems. They condemned what they called China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” in the South China Sea and reaffirmed freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the sea.

A mid-range U.S. missile system deployed in 2024, along with an anti-missile launcher deployed last year, remains in the Philippines. China has repeatedly expressed alarm over the deployment and urged the Philippines to withdraw the missile launchers, but Manila has rejected the demand.

Neither side elaborated on further missile deployments, though the Philippines is considering future purchases. A Philippine official said the deployments are aimed at deterrence and are not intended to target any country.

On February 18, Japan-EU political directors dialogue was held.

Japan's senior deputy foreign minister stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is closely linked and expressed Japan’s desire to deepen strategic cooperation with the EU across various fields. The EU’s deputy secretary general agreed, and they concurred to elevate Japan-EU relations through cooperation in political and security matters. They also exchanged views on international situations, including the Indo-Pacific, and affirmed that Japan and the EU will continue close cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

JCG personnel held a training session in Jakarta for 10 officials from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia to improve their ability to monitor suspicious vessels. Using a JCG aircraft, they demonstrated radar techniques to determine a ship’s size and location, as well as a camera system that automatically tracks objects. A JCG official said cooperation with Southeast Asian nations will help protect the rule of law at sea and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

On February 20, Japan’s prime minister said that, despite tough Japan-Russia relations, Japan aims to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty, according to Russia's TASS. A Kremlin spokesman, however, said relations have "been reduced to zero" due to Tokyo's "unfriendly stance," noting that there is no dialogue and that it is impossible to discuss a peace treaty under these circumstances. He added that agreements are unlikely without changing the modalities of their relations.

On February 22, a meeting was held between Japan’s state minister for defense and Micronesia’s secretary of justice in Tokyo. Japan’s state minister said the two countries are partners sharing values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. They welcomed ongoing defense cooperation, especially on maritime security, and agreed to continue strengthening it.

On February 19, Japan and the United States held the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) in Washington, D.C. The two sides reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Japan’s defense using all capabilities, including nuclear, and Japan’s support for U.S. operations to maintain peace, to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence. They noted that this support reinforces U.S. deterrence by denial and that U.S. nuclear posture and Japan’s defense capabilities are key to deterring regional aggression.

They also discussed security challenges from Russia, China, and North Korea, the importance of the Japan-U.S. Guidelines for Extended Deterrence, strengthening the Alliance’s strategic messaging, crisis communications, coordination to support U.S. extended deterrence, and conducted a tabletop exercise.

On February 23, the Japan-UK vice foreign ministers’ meeting was held.

They confirmed that they will strengthen bilateral relations in areas such as security and defense and work together to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law. They exchanged views on regional and bilateral issues, including the Indo-Pacific, and confirmed that Japan and the UK will further strengthen ties through bilateral, G7, and international cooperation.

On February 23, Japan- Tonga defense minister’s meeting was held in Tokyo.

Japan’s defense minister stated that Japan and Tonga are partners sharing values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. They confirmed progress in maritime security cooperation, including capacity-building assistance, and agreed to establish a Memorandum on Defense Cooperation to further strengthen security collaboration.

On February 23, Japan-PNG defense minister’s meeting was held in Tokyo.

Japan’s defense minister stated that Japan and PNG are partners sharing values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. They exchanged views on maritime security cooperation and affirmed their commitment to further enhance it. They agreed to establish a Memorandum on Defense Cooperation to strengthen security ties.

On February 23, Japan-Fiji defense minister’s meeting was held in Tokyo.

Japan’s defense minister stated that Japan and Fiji are partners sharing values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and paid his respect to Fiji’s important role in securing peace and stability in the region. They confirmed progress in maritime security cooperation, including capacity-building assistance. They agreed to establish a Memorandum on Defense Cooperation to strengthen security ties.

From February 22 to 24, the Ministry of Defense of Japan held the 3rd Japan–Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) in Tokyo, with its plenary session on February 23. The three Pacific Island countries with armed forces—Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga—participated, along with 11 without armed forces and seven partner countries. ASEAN countries also joined as observers for the first time, bringing total participation to 28 countries and one organization.

At the outset, Japan’s Defense Minister delivered a keynote address, calling for stronger bonds and connectivity and for building an autonomous and resilient region to safeguard the Pacific Ocean as an “Ocean of Peace.”

In the maritime security session, Japan introduced initiatives including the Ship-rider Program, under which officers from 11 Pacific Island countries embarked on a JMSDF vessel to share maritime security knowledge, as well as joint boarding and inspection training.

In response, Pacific Island countries expressed strong appreciation. Many noted that issues such as IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing directly affect national survival but that resources and capabilities are limited, stressing the need for cooperation with regional and external partners.

The Japanese government sent a parliamentary vice minister of the Cabinet Office as its representative to the Takeshima Day ceremony on February 22, rather than a Cabinet minister as previously suggested by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A senior official said the move reflected consideration for Japan–South Korea relations.

Amid cooling ties with China and challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over tariffs and defense spending, Japan aims to advance cooperation with South Korea, whose strategic importance is growing.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry protested the ceremony, but its statement was largely identical to last year’s, suggesting a measured response mindful of bilateral relations.

On February 24, following China’s announcement prohibiting exports of dual-use items to certain Japanese companies, a Director-General of Japan’s Foreign Ministry strongly protested to China’s Deputy Chief of Mission and demanded the withdrawal of the measures, stating that they are absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable, as were the measures announced on January 6, which Japan has also protested as targeting only Japan and deviating significantly from international practice.

On February 24, Japan-Germany summit telephone meeting was held.

The German chancellor stated that Germany values its partnership with Japan, a like-minded country in the Indo-Pacific. The Japanese prime minister stated that close coordination between the two countries as G7 members is increasingly important, and expressed hope for Germany’s continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific, noting that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security is inseparable. They exchanged views on East Asia and other regions and confirmed that the two countries will work closely to address international challenges.

On February 25, Japan’s vice foreign minister held an exchange of views with the U.S. state department counselor and policy planning director.

In light of the current international situation, they discussed Japan-U.S. cooperation, particularly in security, and affirmed their commitment to strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. They also discussed a broad range of regional issues including the Indo-Pacific, and reaffirmed close coordination between the two countries.

On February 25, Japan’s foreign minister received a courtesy call from the U.S. state department counselor and policy planning director.

They discussed Japan-U.S. cooperation, including security, with the counselor reiterating the United States’ commitment to the alliance and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. They also exchanged views on regional affairs and affirmed working closely together to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

On February 24, to demonstrate their commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japan, U.S. and the Philippines conducted a Multilateral Exercise as a Maritime Cooperative Activity. Participating units included JMSDF P-3C; U.S. Navy (USN) destroyer and P-8A; Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) frigate, FA-50PH, and C-208B; and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessel. The exercise focused on tactical operations.

On February 27, China’s military said it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea from February 23 to 26, accusing the Philippines of “disrupting” peace by organising joint patrols with countries outside the region. This week, the navies of the Philippines, the U.S., and Japan trained together in the South China Sea to strengthen cooperation among the allies.