Japan-UK security partnership will deepen

Significance

The former provides a legal framework for UK and Japanese forces to deploy on each other’s territory. The latter pools resources for the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet.

Impacts

• The RAA will enhance training and joint exercises, but is not aimed at wartime basing.
• For Tokyo, London is no substitute for Washington, nor is it intended to be.
• Japan's aim is to complicate China’s rise, while also demonstrating its own agency to Washington.