Japan's Takaichi Hails UK Defense Ties, Cites 'Near-Alliance'
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with her British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in London on Sunday, highlighting increasing defense cooperation between their nations. Takaichi described the United Kingdom as a crucial partner for Japan across various fields, including security and defense. She referred to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an indicator of a 'near-alliance' between the two countries, despite existing uncertainties surrounding the funding for the next-generation fighter jet program.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with her British counterpart, Keir Starmer, in London on Sunday to discuss the expanding defense cooperation between their respective nations. The discussions took place amid a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the spending for a new fighter jet program.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi underscored the United Kingdom's role as a critical partner for Japan. She emphasized the deepening of ties across a wide array of fields, particularly in security and defense, signaling the comprehensive nature of their bilateral relationship.
Takaichi specifically referenced the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an example of this close collaboration. She remarked that, due to the GCAP project, the relationship between Japan and the UK had achieved a level that could be characterized as a "near-alliance." This statement was made despite ongoing questions regarding the financial aspects of the advanced fighter jet initiative.
According to the South China Morning Post, the meeting highlights continued strategic engagement between Japan and the UK in defense matters.
