NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is using a two-day trip to Japan to underline the importance of close working relationships with like-minded nations around the world at a time of growing security tensions with China, Russia and North Korea.

The US-dominated alliance is also struggling to orient itself in a new world where the US itself is growing less reliable as a partner.

Rutte made his first official trip to Japan this week since replacing Jens Stoltenberg as the NATO chief in October. The visit included Rutte visiting the Yokosuka naval base, south of Tokyo, where he inspected a Japanese frigate and its navy's minesweeping equipment.

Rutte also expressed concern about the actions of China, pointing out that Beijing is supporting the Russian war effort in Ukraine and rapidly expanding its own military capabilities.

"We cannot be naive,” he said.

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The NATO secretary general added that it was increasingly important for NATO member states to........

© Deutsche Welle