TOKYO: High-level economic security talks between the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan took place on Friday against the backdrop of global trade uncertainties, particularly following the announcement of new tariffs by the United States.
As two of the world’s leading economies—Japan ranking fourth and the UK sixth—both nations face challenges in maintaining economic stability amid rising trade tensions. Despite being close allies of the US, they are not exempt from President Donald Trump’s sweeping 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
The discussions, involving foreign and trade ministers from both countries, are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in technology, defense, renewable energy, and global supply chain resilience.
“Economic growth and future prosperity depend on strong security foundations, a reliable trading system, resilient supply chains, and an economy capable of withstanding shocks,” the UK Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
This rhetoric reflects concerns shared by the US and its Group of Seven (G7) allies regarding China’s economic tactics, including trade restrictions and boycotts aimed at exerting pressure on nations that do not align with its interests.
However, this strategic dialogue may now have a broader scope, given the increasingly protectionist trade policies under Trump. Officials have framed the talks as an effort to present a stable and responsible approach to global challenges, without explicitly targeting any single nation.
“In the current global context, any effort to increase coordination and collaboration, especially among key partners like the UK and Japan, is highly welcomed,” said Francesca Ghiretti, research leader in economic security and China at Rand Europe.
Ghiretti added that the UK, as a service-based economy heavily reliant on global supply chains, must be more aware of vulnerabilities and potential disruptions. In this regard, collaboration with Japan is key.
Following Brexit, the UK is now more exposed to economic security risks without the collective strength of the European Union but is also freer to engage in international frameworks, according to Ghiretti.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds are in Japan with a business delegation to boost investment and cooperation with Japanese companies.
Beyond trade issues, Lammy and Reynolds are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine with their Japanese counterparts, Takeshi Iwaya and Yoji Muto. Japan has provided financial and material support to Kyiv and imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations, although its pacifist constitution limits its ability to export weapons.
Additionally, the UK and Japan, along with Italy, are developing a next-generation fighter jet set to be operational by 2035. Reports suggest that the trio is also discussing the potential participation of Saudi Arabia in the project.
