Trending 
Britain and Japan have agreed to strengthen their defence and economic cooperation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday, following his visit to China that drew warnings from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking after a bilateral meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Starmer said the two nations “set out a clear priority to build an even deeper partnership in the years to come,” noting that the cooperation would cover collective security across the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Takaichi confirmed that the two countries would hold a meeting of their foreign and defence ministers this year.
She also said she planned to discuss “cooperation towards realising a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Middle East situation and the Ukraine situation” during a dinner with Starmer.
Starmer’s one-day stop in Tokyo followed a four-day visit to China, where he met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Downing Street said agreements were signed in Beijing with Starmer, including plans for visa-free travel for British citizens visiting China for up to 30 days, though no start date has been set.
Takaichi also noted that the leaders discussed economic security and agreed on the urgent need to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, citing concerns about China’s export controls on rare earths, which are vital for products ranging from electric cars to missiles.
The visit showcases Britain and Japan’s intent to strengthen defence and trade partnerships, including collaboration on a new fighter jet, as Japan gradually moves beyond reliance on US military hardware.
