Canada, Japan in talks to exchange intelligence to safeguard stability from Russia, China.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly is said to be in talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in order to devise precautionary measures to counter the growing threats from Russia and China that might potentially endanger the stability of both countries.

The plan, named the General Security of Information Agreement, details the exchange of intelligence between Canada and Japan in order to “better counter threats at home and work alongside partners to create greater stability in the region”.

In working with Japan, Canada is ensuring greater security of the Indo-Pacific. Through the exchange of intelligence, we will be able to better counter threats at home and work alongside partners to create greater stability in the region. https://t.co/K6trFit5xH

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 11, 2022

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan stated that both parties were eager to reach an agreement “as soon as possible.”

Foreign Minister Joly took to Twitter to tweet, “ Tokyo, Japan

Today, I met with my Japanese counterpart, Minister Hayashi @MofaJapan_en. We announced an ambitious Action Plan to advance Canada and Japan’s shared priorities for a free and open Indo-Pacific region..”

📍 Tokyo, Japan

Today, I met with my Japanese counterpart, Minister Hayashi @MofaJapan_en.

We announced an ambitious Action Plan to advance Canada and Japan’s shared priorities for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/zHPOfJbtwR

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 11, 2022

Both Canada and Japan have been quite vocal about their disapproval of Russia’s actions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Tuesday that Canada would be sending 40 Combat Engineers to Poland to train Ukrainian soldiers. Japan on Tuesday welcomed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s decisions on the northern territories.

The agreement may also come as a relief to Japan, which has been expressing concern about China’s growing influence. It is worth noting that Canada just appointed its new ambassador to China.

I sat down with @CanJenMay, Canada’s new Ambassador to China, today. We spoke about her decades of experience representing Canada and the work she’s going to do to advance Canadian priorities in Beijing – I’m confident she’ll continue to represent our country well. pic.twitter.com/BrSm38bZiL

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 11, 2022

This is not the first of such an alliance for either of these countries, Canada already shares intelligence ties with Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States among others.

Japan also shares intelligence-sharing associations with eight countries including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, and South Korea as well as with NATO.

The agreement is to be said to be solidified sometime before the end of the year, as assured by Joly.