Britain and Japan agreed in Tokyo to deepen defence, security and economic ties, including an upcoming meeting of their foreign and defence ministers. Leaders pledged urgent action to secure supply chains for critical minerals amid concerns over Chinese export controls. The announcement followed Keir Starmer's four-day visit to China, where Beijing agreed to visa-free travel for short British visits, though no start date was set.
Britain and Japan Pledge Deeper Defence, Security and Economic Cooperation After Starmer Visit
Britain and Japan agreed to strengthen defence and economic ties during talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese premier Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo (Kin Cheung)(Kin Cheung/POOL/AFP)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed in Tokyo to deepen defence, security and economic cooperation, officials said after a bilateral meeting that followed Mr. Starmer's four-day visit to China.
Closer Security Partnership
Standing side by side, Starmer and Takaichi said they would build a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening collective security both across the Euro-Atlantic and in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders confirmed plans to convene a meeting of British and Japanese foreign and defence ministers later this year to advance practical cooperation.
"We set out a clear priority to build an even deeper partnership in the years to come," Starmer said after the talks.
Economic Security And Supply Chains
Takaichi said the two governments agreed on the urgent need to fortify supply chains, including securing access to critical minerals. Officials highlighted concern that China — the world's largest producer of rare earths — could limit exports of materials essential to electric vehicles, communications systems and advanced weapons. Beijing introduced new export controls on rare earths and related technologies in October, adding urgency to coalition efforts to diversify supply sources.
China Visit And Agreements
Starmer's Tokyo stop followed meetings in Beijing with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, where both sides emphasised the value of closer ties. Downing Street announced China had agreed to visa-free travel for British visitors staying under 30 days, although no start date has yet been confirmed.
Defence Industry Cooperation
The leaders also noted longer-term defence-industrial ties: Britain, Japan and Italy are collaborating on a new fighter-jet programme as Tokyo seeks to diversify suppliers for major military hardware.
Context And Reactions
Starmer's engagement with China drew public warnings from US President Donald Trump, who described closer UK-China contact as "very dangerous" — a comment Starmer publicly dismissed. The diplomatic moves come amid wider Western efforts to manage relations with Beijing while reassuring security partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Both governments said they would now turn discussions into practical workstreams on defence cooperation, economic security and supply-chain resilience.
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