From left, Britain's Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi attend a meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on July 20, 2021. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese and British defense ministers began talks Tuesday in Tokyo to coordinate joint exercises involving the Self-Defense Forces and a British aircraft carrier strike group dispatched to the western Pacific, where China is increasing its military influence.
At the outset of the talks, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi welcomed Britain's contribution to the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's largest warship, and its strike group departed Britain in May to showcase London's increased engagement in the area.
"Together we will send a message to the world that further strengthening of defense cooperation between Japan and Britain will contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and in the international community," Kishi said.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in response it is the two like-minded countries' duty "to protect those that are unable to protect themselves from adversaries that will threaten them."
The joint drills with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will be held when the Queen Elizabeth carrier group makes a port call in the country this fall.
Earlier this month, an anti-piracy military drill was conducted in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia in East Africa, involving the Queen Elizabeth and the MSDF destroyer Setogiri and P-3C patrol planes.
In addition to its alliance with the United States, Japan is seeking to deepen security ties with like-minded countries that share democratic values.
Japan and Britain are also scheduled to discuss enhanced defense cooperation, including over the development of engines for the Air Self-Defense Force's next fighter jet, Defense Ministry officials said.
Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0