ANKARA

Japan and NATO agreed Wednesday to step up defense industry cooperation amid security challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and China's “growing assertiveness,” according to Kyodo News.

An agreement was reached during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and NATO chief Mark Rutte in Tokyo.

Cooperation includes the development of cutting-edge, dual-use technologies that can be used for civilian and military purposes.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, during talks Tuesday with Rutte, expressed Tokyo’s interest in participating in the NATO command for its Ukrainian mission based in Germany in what would be a major boost in ties with the alliance.

Rutte, who is on a two-day visit to Japan, said Tuesday that Tokyo’s role was increasingly "important" as the alliance monitors China’s “rapid” military expansion.

Reports emerged last year that NATO was considering opening its first office in Asia, possibly in Tokyo. In January, Japan launched a NATO mission in Brussels.

Beijing and North Korea have warned against NATO’s presence in the region, accusing it of trying to form an “Asian NATO.”

Japan is the only member of the G7 that is not part of NATO.​​​​​​​