Ishiba's "Asian version of NATO" is reserved for now?It's not easy to become a reality.

Skepticism grows over the realization of 'Asian version of NATO'

It is also unclear whether the U.S. will participate in the lukewarm response of ASEAN countries

Japan's Foreign Ministry takes a cautious stance on 'Asian NATO'

[Anchor]
The newly launched Ishiba Cabinet is taking a cautious stance on the creation of an "Asian version of NATO," which new Prime Minister Ishiba has been willing to do.

It is interpreted that it was not easy to realize due to constitutional problems and resistance from neighboring countries, so it may have been reserved for now.

Correspondent Kim Se-ho's report from Tokyo.

[Reporter]
Ishiba has consistently emphasized the need for an "Asian version of NATO."

The logic is that a collective defense system between Asian countries should be established to respond to China's threats.

[Shigeru Ishiba / When he was a candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) (Last month: 12th: It is an era when the United Nations is not functioning. Creating a collective security regime in today's Asia region is an urgent task.

However, there is a growing skepticism about realization.

First of all, it is pointed out that the creation of an Asian version of NATO could go against Japan's pacifist constitution, which does not recognize the right to engage.

In addition, it is questionable how much ASEAN countries can participate despite China's opposition, as well as the lukewarm response from the United States.

Conscious of this, Japan's Foreign Ministry expressed a cautious stance regarding NATO in Asia.

[Iwaya Takeshi / Japanese Foreign Minister: I think it's an idea, but I also think we should take the time to review it in the mid- to long-term.]

He also explained that it is not easy to make Asian countries fulfill their mutual protection obligations.

At the same time, he seemed to take a step back, saying that he was not targeting a specific country, conscious of China's opposition.

Japanese media said the first phone call with Yoon Suk Yeol's president since he took office did not mention the Asian version of NATO.

In addition, the revision of the U.S.-Japan Status Agreement and the establishment of a training base for the Self-Defense Forces in the United States, which Prime Minister Ishiba has previously insisted on, do not seem to be easy to obtain consent from the U.S.

Prime Minister Ishiba's specific pledges and policies to strengthen his defense capabilities are facing realistic barriers from the beginning of his inauguration.

I'm Kim Se-ho from YTN in Tokyo.