Japan, UK agree collaboration on outer space, critical mineral supply chains
PMs Sanae Takaichi and Keir Starmer also said they’d work together in other areas, including cybersecurity, trade and defence
The leaders of Japan and Britain agreed on Saturday on the urgent need for their countries and like-minded partners to cooperate in strengthening supply chains of critical minerals, as Tokyo seeks to align more closely with London in the face of China’s growing clout.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told a joint press event with her British counterpart Keir Starmer after their meeting in Tokyo that they affirmed the two nations will strategically promote cybersecurity cooperation and set up a new consultative body to advance collaboration in outer space.
The leaders also confirmed that their governments will hold “two-plus-two” security talks involving their foreign and defence ministers later this year and accelerate their trilateral project with Italy to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035, Takaichi said.
“We will take the Japan-Britain cooperation to new heights and further deepen it in the coming age,” said Takaichi, who took office in October.
Starmer said that “small businesses and working people” are the most vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and instability.