Skipping NATO Summit, 3 Indo-Pacific Leaders Show Paltry Sense of Crisis

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Representatives of the four Indo-Pacific partners (IP4) ー namely Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand ー recently attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in the Netherlands. They huddled with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the sidelines. Then, on June 25, NATO and the IP4 issued their first joint statement outlining their commitment to strengthening defense industry cooperation.

We welcome the deepening of cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific region. Unfortunately, the only IP4 leader in attendance was New Zealand's prime minister, Christopher Luxon. The leaders of Japan, South Korea, and Australia were absent.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya represented Japan. South Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak sat in for his country's new president. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles represented Australia.

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and the IP4 leaders had been under consideration. However, since only one leader was in attendance, the meeting was postponed.

*As part of the 2025 NATO Summit Meeting, representatives of the IP4 gather in The Hague. June 25, 2025 (©NATO)*

Growing Significance for the Indo-Pacific

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. For four consecutive years since then, NATO has invited the four Pacific countries to attend its summit.

As former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida repeatedly stated, "Today's Ukraine may be tomorrow's East Asia." The existence of collusion among China, North Korea, and Russia constitutes a common threat to Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Security for Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is inseparable.

It is important for NATO and the IP4 nations to demonstrate their collective commitment to tackling common threats together. IP4 leaders also need to continue attending NATO summits to demonstrate that they are essential partners for its member nations.

In 2024, leaders of three of the four IP4 attended, namely New Zealand's Prime Minister Luxon, Japan's Prime Minister Kishida, and South Korea's then-President Yoon Suk-yeol. Deputy Prime Minister Marles represented Australia.

Kishida made his mark at the summit. "We cannot tolerate the unilateral use of power or force to change the status quo anywhere in the world," he said. His statement alluded to a possible Taiwan emergency and other issues.

*US President Donald Trump at the 2025 NATO Summit Meeting in The Hague. June 25, 2025 (©NATO)*

Unfortunate Absence of Leadership

This year, the South Korean government explained that President Lee Jae-myung chose not to attend because he was focusing on "comprehensive consideration of the uncertainty of the Middle East situation and other issues." However, South Korean media reported that the decision was actually made to please pro-China and pro-Russia factions in his administration.

Australia is a key player in the southern Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, in the event of an emergency in Taiwan or the South China Sea, Canberra is expected to play a role in deterring China, in cooperation with Japan and the United States.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also erred in not attending. His presence would have strengthened the Trump administration's engagement in Asia. Only Ishiba could speak about the threats posed to Japan and the region by China, North Korea, and Russia.

By their absence, the leaders of Japan, South Korea, and Australia showed their shared paltry sense of crisis. Without a doubt, the three major autocracies in the region were delighted by the outcome.