Japan's Security Policy
Foreign Minister MOTEGI’s Attendance at the Munich Security Conference
February 14, 2026
On February 14, commencing at 4:30 p.m. local time (0:30 a.m. on February 15, Japan time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Munich, the Federal Republic of Germany, attended a panel discussion at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in the session “Double Trouble? Europe, Asia, and Connected Security Challenges”. The overview of the session is as follows:
- In the panel discussion, Minister MOTEGI shared his recognition on the security environment, which is undergoing the most significant structural changes since the end of WWII and emphasized the necessity of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law under the banner of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Minister MOTEGI pointed out that the security of Euro-Atlantic and of Indo-Pacific are inseparable and highlighted the importance of multi-layered cooperation with like-minded countries, including European partners, in addition to strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
- During the panel discussion, other participants introduced their countries’ security policies and initiatives in Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. The panelists also had a lively discussion on topics such as policy toward China and cooperation among allies and like-minded countries.
(Reference) Other participants in the panel discussion
- The Hon. Richard MARLES MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of the Commonwealth of Australia
- H.E.Mr. David VAN WEEL, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Refugee and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Hon. Judith COLLINS, Minister of Defence, New Zealand
- Mr. Elbridge COLBY, Under Secretary of War for Policy of the U.S.