The EU–Japan Summit considered in light of the renewed US–Japan defence guidelines: new momentum for the strategic partnership?

During Prime Minister Abe’s state visit to Washington, Japan and the United States made international headlines after revealing renewed joint defence guidelines that no longer confine defence cooperation to Japanese territory. After this potential turning point for Japan’s international security profile, the European Union will eagerly await how Tokyo’s new image will be reflected in its ambition to strengthen its security ties in the Asia-Pacific. In this light, the upcoming EU-Japan summit may constitute a great opportunity for providing impetus to ongoing negotiations on strengthening EU-Japanese security cooperation as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.