Latest news with #ArunaJayasekara
Yomiuri Shimbun
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan, Sri Lanka Agree to Strengthen Defense Cooperation; Agreement Eyes to Counter Growing Chinese Maritime Presence in Indo-Pacific Region
Pool photo / The Yomiuri Shimbun Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, right, and Sri Lankan Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara shake hands in Colombo on Sunday. COLOMBO — Japan will reinforce defense cooperation with Sri Lanka, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Sri Lankan Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara agreed in Colombo on Sunday. By tightening security ties with the Indian Ocean nation located in a strategic maritime position, Japan aims to curb China's expanding influence. Nakatani and Jayasekara exchanged views on international and regional affairs and concurred that at a time of mounting uncertainty, strengthening cooperation — including on defense — is indispensable for the prosperity of both nations and the Indo-Pacific region. The two ministers also confirmed plans to invite Sri Lankan forces to disaster-response exercises in Japan and to help the country improve its capabilities in aeromedical evacuation. Regarding the East and South China Seas — and with China's increasing maritime activities in mind — Nakatani expressed 'serious concern over unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force.' Sri Lanka sits along sea lanes that Japan uses to import crude oil from the Middle East and serves as a refueling hub for Self-Defense Forces' vessels engaged in anti-piracy operations. However, ports developed with Chinese assistance and the current administration's perceived tilt toward Beijing have sharpened Japan's desire to keep Colombo engaged. 'It was highly significant for the two countries to reach a consensus on strengthening defense cooperation,' Nakatani told reporters after the talks.
Japan Today
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Japan, Sri Lanka agree to enhance cooperation of defense forces
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Sri Lankan Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara agreed Sunday to strengthen cooperation between their countries' defense forces to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Nakatani's visit to Sri Lanka, the second by a Japanese defense minister, underscores the importance Japan places on ties with the island nation, which sits along key shipping lanes, amid China's growing economic and military influence in the region. During the talks in Colombo, Nakatani expressed his "serious concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo," according to the Japanese Defense Ministry, with China's assertiveness in the East and South China seas apparently in mind. Nakatani also said reinforcing the partnership between the two countries is essential for prosperity in the region amid "increasing uncertainty in the international situation." The two countries are planning projects to deepen cooperation across all three branches of their defense forces, including inviting the Sri Lanka Army to observe disaster response exercises in Japan and collaborating on the development of air rescue and medical flight capabilities, according to the ministry. Nakatani also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya the same day, agreeing on the importance of upholding a free and open maritime order and strengthening defense cooperation to help ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said. In 2018, Itsunori Onodera became the first Japanese defense minister to visit the Indian Ocean island, where China and India are vying for influence. © KYODO
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Japan, Sri Lanka agree to enhance cooperation of defence forces
COLOMBO – Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara agreed on May 4 to strengthen cooperation between their countries' defence forces to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Mr Nakatani's visit to Sri Lanka, the second by a Japanese defence minister, underscores the importance Japan places on ties with the island nation, which sits along key shipping lanes, amid China's growing economic and military influence in the region. During the talks in Colombo, Mr Nakatani expressed his 'serious concerns over unilateral attempts to change the status quo', according to the Japanese Defence Ministry, with China's assertiveness in the East and South China seas apparently in mind. Mr Nakatani also said reinforcing the partnership between the two countries is essential for prosperity in the region amid 'increasing uncertainty in the international situation'. The two countries are planning projects to deepen cooperation across all three branches of their defence forces, including inviting the Sri Lanka Army to observe disaster response exercises in Japan and collaborating on the development of air rescue and medical flight capabilities, according to the ministry. Mr Nakatani also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya the same day, agreeing on the importance of upholding a free and open maritime order and strengthening defence cooperation to help ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said. - KYODO NEWS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
