International relationsEyeing Asia flashpoints, Kishida warms Japan's ties with NATO
First talk by leaders since 2017 come as Tokyo faces assertive China, Russia
NATO headquarters in Brussels. Japan is the only Group of Seven member that does not belong to the alliance. © Reuters
RYO NEMOTO, Nikkei staff writer
TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida returned Friday from Brussels after the first talks between a Japanese leader and the NATO chief in more than four years, looking to showcase unity in their response to Russia while also keeping an eye on East Asia.