Japan and Britain will hold ministerial talks in Tokyo on Friday to strengthen security ties amid China's growing maritime assertiveness.
"In addition to beefing up defense and security cooperation, we will also discuss measures to counter terrorism" in the "two-plus-two" talks between the two countries' foreign and defense ministers, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told a news conference Monday.
Kishida and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani will meet with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defense Secretary Michael Fallon in the second such talks between the two countries. The first were held last January.
The ministers are likely to agree to accelerate talks for the early conclusion of an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA), which will enable the Self-Defense Forces and the British military to share supplies and transportation services during U.N. peacekeeping operations, Japanese sources said.
A joint study on missile technology will also be among the issues discussed, they said.