The defense ministers of Japan and Britain agreed Saturday to seek London's greater involvement in the Asia-Pacific region in the wake of North Korea's latest nuclear test and China's maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Meeting in Tokyo, Gen Nakatani and his British counterpart Michael Fallon agreed to closely cooperate in a response to actions by North Korea, which said Wednesday it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. Their meeting came a day after Japan and Britain's foreign ministers held so-called "two-plus-two" security talks.
Despite the perception that Britain is drawing closer to Beijing for economic gain, Japan is keen to strengthen ties with the island nation not only to increase international pressure on North Korea but also to keep China in check.