British Prime Minister Theresa May is leading a delegation of U.K. businessmen to Japan on Wednesday for a short visit. What are British interests in relation to Japan and Japanese interests in relation to Britain and where do they differ?
The United Kingdom recognizes the political and economic importance of Japan and seeks closer relations and better understanding between our two countries.
It is a vital British interest that peace should be maintained in Asia. Britain is worried by the threat to peace posed by North Korea and will support efforts to keep up pressure on the regime through economic sanctions and diplomatic action. Britain attaches importance to the maintenance of American guarantees to the security of Japan and South Korea. It therefore regards U.S.-Japan security arrangements as of paramount importance, but Britain does not support military action against North Korea.