Japan, US agree to more cooperationAFP, TOKYOTokyo and Washington yesterday agreed to boost joint production of defense equipment, including missiles, and expand their military presence in waters southwest of Japan, as China ramps up pressure on its Asian neighbor. The agreement came after Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, where they also pledged further cooperation on supply chains including critical minerals. Japan is embroiled in a heated diplomatic spat with China, triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion last year that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, welcomes Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi in Washington on Thursday. Photo: APChina reacted angrily, blocking exports to Japan of “dual-use” items with potential military applications, fueling worries in Tokyo that Beijing could choke supplies of much-needed rare earths.
