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During talks held in Tokyo, Sir Keir Starmer extended an invitation to Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United Kingdom, highlighting that the bilateral relationship is currently at its “strongest” point in decades. The discussions between the UK and Japanese leaders focused on shared values and ambitions to enhance trade and security cooperation, particularly emphasizing increased defense collaboration and partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting took place amid heightened tensions in the region, notably following contentious remarks made by Prime Minister Takaichi that indicated Japan might become involved in any conflict between China and Taiwan. Sir Keir and Ms. Takaichi concurred on the need to address global instability with “strength and clarity,” with Sir Keir also expressing gratitude for her “steadfast leadership in supporting Ukraine.” Before a subsequent working dinner, the Japanese Prime Minister remarked that Sir Keir “looked well” and mentioned her invitation to visit his Chequers country estate later in the year.
Reflecting on the 20-minute dialogue, Sir Keir expressed optimism about the future of UK-Japan relations, stressing their “vital interests and principles” and a mutual commitment to further deepening ties. He elaborated on mutual goals including the pursuit of “free and predictable trade” and improving supply chains focused on key resources such as critical minerals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her aspiration to “build a new era of Japan-UK relations amid the complex crises facing the international community in the 21st Century.”
Japan, as the world’s fourth-largest economy, remains a significant investor in the UK outside of Europe. Sir Keir’s visit to East Asia aimed to strike a balance between resetting relations with China and reassuring Japan and other regional allies of the UK’s ongoing dedication to security in the area, as well as its awareness of the challenges posed by China. While Takaichi’s statements about Taiwan caused displeasure in Beijing, they are viewed as beneficial to her position ahead of the upcoming elections. According to Jeffrey J Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, Sir Keir’s visit is very timely and advantageous for Takaichi, especially as she campaigns as the first female Prime Minister with a strong diplomatic record.
Sir Keir’s East Asia tour concluded with notable achievements, including obtaining reduced tariffs on whisky exports and securing visa-free travel for British citizens to China. The UK government also announced trade deals worth £2.2 billion during his visit to China. Furthermore, following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing agreed to lift sanctions previously imposed on British parliamentarians, marking progress in UK-China relations despite ongoing complexities
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