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Japan-UK Forge Deeper Security & Tech Alliance Amid Global Shifts

The leaders of Japan and the United Kingdom have agreed to significantly deepen their strategic partnership across defence, cybersecurity, and economic security. The meeting in Tokyo focused on strengthening bilateral ties against a backdrop of global geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Agreements were reached to expand cooperation in areas including energy technology, wind power, and securing critical minerals supply chains. The two nations also committed to advancing a next-generation fighter aircraft project with Italy and scheduling a two-plus-two ministerial meeting this year.

Key Points: Japan & UK Expand Defence, Tech Cooperation Amid Global Tensions

  • Enhanced defence & security cooperation
  • Expanded cybersecurity & tech collaboration
  • Strengthened critical minerals supply chains
  • Joint next-gen fighter aircraft project with Italy
2 min read

Japan and UK leaders agree to expand defence and security cooperation amid shifting global tensions

UK PM Starmer and Japan PM Takaichi agree to deepen security, cyber, and critical supply chain cooperation during Tokyo summit.

"We set out a clear priority to build an even deeper partnership in the years to come. - Keir Starmer"

Tokyo, February 1

Japan and the United Kingdom have agreed to significantly deepen strategic cooperation spanning defence, cybersecurity, economic security and critical supply chains, during a high-level meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, reported The Japan Times.

The discussions held on Saturday (local time), which marked Starmer's first official visit to Japan since taking office in July 2024, focused on strengthening bilateral ties at a moment of rising geopolitical uncertainty. Starmer described the partnership as vital against a backdrop of "geopolitical, economic and technological shocks" affecting global stability.

"We set out a clear priority to build an even deeper partnership in the years to come," Starmer said after their bilateral summit at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, underlining commitments to security cooperation across both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Takaichi echoed this sentiment, noting that Japan and the UK have "steadily and concretely advanced their cooperation," and confirmed that the two governments would hold a two-plus-two meeting of foreign and defence ministers later this year to further enhance bilateral security collaboration, reported The Japan Times.

At a joint news conference, the leaders also signalled an intention to work more closely in areas beyond traditional defence cooperation. Agreements were reached on expanding ties in cybersecurity, energy technology, wind power and nuclear projects, as well as critical minerals supply chains, which are seen as essential to economic resilience and technological competitiveness.

"Our priorities for this partnership also include boosting growth and economic resilience," Starmer said, highlighting innovation, technology and trade cooperation as pillars of the evolving relationship.

Takaichi stressed the importance of strengthening supply chains, particularly for critical minerals, in response to export restrictions and broader concerns about global resource security. She said the talks included discussions on a free and open Indo-Pacific, as well as developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Security cooperation was further underscored by joint commitments to deepen cyber defence partnerships and accelerate work on a next-generation fighter aircraft project with Italy, which both countries see as essential to future military interoperability and technological edge.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting move. The focus on critical minerals and supply chains is the real story here. Everyone is trying to de-risk. India needs to be at the forefront of securing its own supply chains for rare earths and tech components. Our policy makers should take note.
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Rohit P
More military alliances popping up. While I understand the need for security, I hope the focus remains on economic cooperation and development. Sometimes these pacts just increase tensions. Let's hope it leads to more stability, not a new cold war in Asia.
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Sarah B
The joint fighter project with Italy is a big deal. Japan shedding its pacifist constraints and the UK looking eastwards. India has good relations with all three. Could be opportunities for our defence industry in terms of technology transfer or component manufacturing.
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Vikram M
"Free and open Indo-Pacific" is the key phrase. Japan is a crucial partner for India in the Quad. This UK-Japan axis complements that. Good for maritime security in our backyard. The cyber defence cooperation is also essential in today's world.
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Karthik V
With respect, I find the article a bit one-sided. It talks of global stability but these partnerships are clearly aimed at containing specific nations. It would be better if diplomacy focused more on inclusive economic growth for all in the region, rather than exclusive military blocs.
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